Abstract
Clinical and biological assessment of the COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in the frail population is of crucial importance. The study focuses on measuring the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies before and after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination among long-term care facility (LTCF) elderly residents. We conducted a prospective, single-center, observational study among LTCF residents. The study protocol was based on three blood sample acquisitions: first taken at baseline—5 days before the first dose of the vaccine, second—20 days after the first dose, and third—12 days after the second shot of the vaccine. The comparison was made for two cohorts: patients with and without prior COVID-19 infection. The data was collected from January to March 2021. A total number of 78 LTCF residents (55 women and 23 men) aged 62–104, 85.72 ± 7.59 years (mean ± SD), were enrolled in the study. All study participants were investigated for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike (S) protein IgG, using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Frailty was assessed with the Clinical Frailty Scale. Among elderly COVID-19 survivors in LTCF, a single dose of vaccine significantly increased anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels. IgG concentration after a single and double dose was comparable, which may suggest that elderly COVID-19 survivors do not require a second dose of vaccine. For residents without a previous history of COVID-19, two doses are needed to achieve an effective serological response. The level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies after vaccination with BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 did not correlate with the frailty and age of the studied individuals.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed many gaps in our current knowledge about mechanisms underpinning disease susceptibility and maladaptation related to the aging process
Total number of 78 long-term care facility (LTCF) residents (55 women and 23 men) aged 62–104, 85.72 ± 7.59 years, all white, who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled into the study
In older LTCF residents, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID19 vaccination were higher in COVID-19 survivors than in uninfected individuals, especially after the first dose
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed many gaps in our current knowledge about mechanisms underpinning disease susceptibility and maladaptation related to the aging process. As older age is one of the main risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 mortality, biogerontology should become an integral part of global public health priorities (Farrelly 2021). The effect of age on mortality from COVID-19 has been observed with the relevant thresholds on age [ 50 years and the highest mortality rate in patients aged C 80 (Bonanad et al 2020). The frailty level, frequently high in older adults, has been recognized as a useful predictor of mortality coronavirus risk in geriatric patients (Apea et al 2020; Bielza et al 2021; Aliberti et al 2021).
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