J Korean Med Sci.  2022 May;37(19):e135. 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e135.

Strong SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response After Booster Dose of BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccines in Uninfected Healthcare Workers

• Kwon SR
• Kwon SR
• Kim N
• Park H
• Minn D
• Park S
• Roh EY
• Yoon JH
• Shin S

• KMID: 2529768
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e135

Abstract

Despite strict guidelines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), South Korea is facing its fourth pandemic wave. In this study, by using an automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay assay, we tracked anti-spike protein receptor-binding domain (anti-S-RBD) antibody titer from the second dose to 2 weeks after the booster dose vaccination. After the second dose, 234 participants had their anti-S-RBD antibody titers decrease over time. We also showed the booster dose (the third dose) increased antibody titer by average 14 (min–max, 2–255)-fold higher compared to the second dose among the 211-booster group participants, therefore, the booster dose could be recommended for low responders to the second dose. Our findings showed a distinct humoral response after booster doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccines and may provide further evidence of booster vaccination efficacy. These data will also be helpful in vaccination policy decisions that determine the need for the booster dose.

Keyword

SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Booster Dose; mRNA Vaccine; Healthcare Workers; Antibody Titer

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Comparison of anti-S-RBD antibody titers at 2 weeks after the second dose and 2 weeks after the booster dose of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination. The box plot graph shows the antibody titer of SARS-CoV-2 by log10 scale. The box bounds the IQR divided by the median, and Tukey-style whiskers extend to a maximum of 1.5 × IQR beyond the box.S-RBD = spike protein receptor-binding domain, SARS-CoV-2 = severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, IQR = interquartile range.***P < 0.001.

• 

  Fig. 2 Time series of anti-S-RBD antibody titers over a vaccination period of 31 weeks after the second dose (or 2 weeks after the booster dose) administration. The change of anti S-RBD antibody titer over time in the booster dose group (red line, n = 211, administration of booster [third] doses, responded to collect 5 times blood sampling and no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection), and in the second dose group (blue line, n = 23, no administration of booster [third] doses, responded to collect 5 times blood sampling and no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection). The graph shows maximum (upper boundary line), median (dot), minimum (lower boundary line) values of the antibody titer of SARS-CoV-2 by log10 scale.S-RBD = spike protein receptor-binding domain, SARS-CoV-2 = severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, NS = no statistical significance (P > 0.05).***P < 0.001.

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