Antibody response after first and second BNT162b2 vaccination to predict the need for subsequent injections in nursing home residents

Abstract

We explored antibody response after first and second BNT162b2 vaccinations, to predict the need for subsequent injections in nursing home (NH) residents. 369 NH residents were tested for IgG against SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD-IgG) and nucleoprotein-IgG (SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant and SARS-CoV-2 IgG Alinity assays, Abbott Diagnostics). In NH residents with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, the first dose elicited high RBD-IgG levels (≥ 4160 AU/mL) in 99/129 cases (76.9%), with no additional antibody gain after the second dose in 74 cases (74.7%). However, a low RBD-IgG level (< 1050 AU/mL) was observed in 28 (21.7%) residents. The persistence of nucleoprotein-IgG and a longer interval between infection and the first dose were associated with a higher RBD-IgG response (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0013, respectively). RBD-IgG below 50 AU/mL after the first dose predicted failure to reach the antibody concentration associated with a neutralizing effect after the second dose (≥ 1050 AU/mL). The BNT162b2 vaccine elicited a strong humoral response after the first dose in a majority of NH residents with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, about one quarter of these residents require a second injection. Consideration should be given to immunological monitoring in NH residents to optimize the vaccine response in this vulnerable population.