Reduced magnitude and durability of humoral immune responses by COVID-19 mRNA vaccines among older adults

Brockman, M. A.; Mwimanzi, F. M.; Lapointe, H. R.; Sang, Y.; Agafitei, O.; Cheung, P.; Ennis, S.; Ng, K.; Basra, S.; Lim, L. Y.; Yaseen, F.; Young, L.; Umviligihozo, G.; Omondi, F. H.; Kalikawe, R.; Burns, L.; Brumme, C. J.; Leung, V.; Montaner, J.; Holmes, D.; DeMarco, M.; Simons, J.; Pantophlet, R.; Niikura, M.; Romney, M. G.; Brumme, Z. L.

Background mRNA vaccines reduce COVID-19 incidence and severity, but the durability of vaccine-induced immune responses, particularly among the elderly, remains incompletely characterized. Methods Anti-spike RBD antibody titers, ACE2 competition and virus neutralizing activities were longitudinally assessed in 151 healthcare workers and older adults (overall aged 24-98 years) up to three months after vaccination. Results Older adults exhibited lower antibody responses after one and two vaccine doses for all measures. In multivariable analyses correcting for sociodemographic, chronic health and vaccine-related variables, age remained independently associated with all response outcomes. The number of chronic health conditions was additionally associated with lower binding antibody responses after two doses, and male sex with lower ACE2 competition activity after one dose. Responses waned universally at three months after the second dose, but binding antibodies, ACE2 competition and neutralizing activities remained significantly lower with age. Older adults also displayed reduced ability to block ACE2 binding by the Delta variant. Conclusions The humoral immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines is significantly weaker with age, and universally wanes over time. This will likely reduce antibody-mediated protection against SARS-CoV-2 and the Delta variant as the pandemic progresses. Older adults may benefit from additional immunizations as a priority.