Dynamics of antibody response to CoronaVac vaccine

J Med Virol. 2022 May;94(5):2139-2148. doi: 10.1002/jmv.27604. Epub 2022 Jan 28.

Abstract

CoronaVac was the first vaccine approved in Brazil for use in healthcare workers (HCWs). However, there is limited information about it, with little long-term evidence on post-vaccination antibody persistence. This study evaluated the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in 1237 HCWs after the first (1D), second dose (2D), and 6 months postvaccination (6mA2D) with CoronaVac. The seropositivity was 88% at 1D, increasing to 99.8% at 2D, but decreasing to 97.9% at 6mA2D, which was also observed at the analyzed antibody levels. Interestingly, the levels in females were higher than males, and we found a positive correlation with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants with comorbidities had lower levels suggesting the need to monitor for a potential booster dose. Our findings suggest that CoronaVac induced a robust antibody response that wanes significantly over time. Further longitudinal studies are needed to identify whether the antibodies will decline or plateau at a lower level.

Keywords: CoronaVac; IgG antibody; SARS-CoV-2; healthcare workers; serology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antibody Formation*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines