The study finds that the fourth dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine significantly boosts neutralizing antibody levels in the elderly, providing enhanced protection against new SARS-CoV-2 variants like Omicron. This supports the efficacy of booster shots for older populations in combating COVID-19.
By Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D.Aug 31 2023 A recent Scientific Reports study evaluated the humoral response in the elderly population after receiving the fourth mRNA vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 .
Few studies have assessed the antibody response after the fourth COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in adults. The existing studies indicated that compared to the first COVID-19 booster vaccination, the second booster dose resulted in a minor increase of the neutralizing antibody and the anti-RBD IgG antibody levels. Although this finding was based on a study population devoid of older adults, the poor antibody response raised questions about the utility of COVID-19 booster vaccination beyond the first.
All relevant data linked to sociodemographic characteristics, frailty, current health condition, and current COVID-19 exposures and infections were obtained. Blood samples were collected between August 2021 and May 2022. Blood samples were collected at different periods, i.e., the first was collected around 194 days after the second vaccine dose, the second around 76 days after the third vaccine dose, and the third was collected around 99 days after the fourth vaccine dose.
Related StoriesThe first blood sample indicated a low RBD IgG level, which improved after the third vaccine dose. However, after the second booster dose, the anti-RBD IgG level increased 1.5-fold compared to the titers estimated after the first booster vaccine dose.
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