New research shows that your age and gender determine how strong your antibody levels after two doses Pfizer BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine.
Texas Biomedical Research Institute and the University of Verona (Italy) found that antibody levels are highest for children and women than those of men.
The antibody levels of study participants below the threshold were twice that of those over 65.
However, the study, which is deemed to be the largest study in the world on the prevalence of antibodies over time, also showed levels dropped by 50 percent within six months for everyone – regardless of age or gender.
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In collaboration with University of Verona in Italy, the Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that antibodies are higher among children and women than for men, and people over 65.
Brandon Michael Henry MD, MD, is a Texas Biomed physician scientist who also co-led this study. In a statement, Henry said: “While we see how vaccines can keep people out hospital beds and prevent deadly diseases from occurring, our antibody levels continue to decline in every person, no matter their gender.
“Our research provides further evidence that booster shots are necessary for adults to maintain antibody levels in order to continue an immune response to COVID-19 infections and to prevent COVID-19 deaths.”
These findings were based upon 787 Italian healthcare workers, aged 21-75, who had received two doses.
The antibody levels of the subjects were measured before and after vaccination. They also recorded the results at six, twelve, and one month later.
The antibody levels of study participants below the threshold were twice that of those over 65.
The team theorizes the difference shown among genders is due to hormones in the body – specifically testosterone in men.
The press release stated that testosterone “naturally suppresses immune system”, while estrogen (which is higher in women) is well-known to increase immune responses.
Some genes code for immune proteins can also be found on the X-chromosome. This may help to increase immunity activity, since both X-chromosomes are present in women.
Henry explained that normally only one of the X chromosomes is active. However, evidence suggests that immuno-related genes remain active on this redundant chromosome, which can boost immunity in women.
Henry also conducted systematic reviews showing similar results in terms of gender and age.
The method he and his colleagues devised to standardize the research results on antibody levels was by looking at how much antibody levels have changed across 32 studies, which included more than 5 000 people.
Henry stated that he observed more elderly people than men suffering the most severe effects of COVID-19 throughout the pandemic.
These studies suggest that the cause of this phenomenon is due to weaker immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
Henry stressed the fact that although the antibody levels are declining, it does not necessarily mean that vaccines will not be effective.
He also noted that ‘antibodies continue their decline with time’ and suggested booster doses to maintain sufficient levels.
This study is just in time for a new variant of coronavirus that the World Health Organization(WHO) considers a high risk.
The team theorizes the difference shown among genders is due to hormones in the body – specifically testosterone in men. According to the release, testosterone “naturally suppresses” the immune system
Omicron is the new variant. It was identified for the first time in South Africa, and has been found elsewhere in Europe and North America.
Omicron, the most-mutated COVID form yet discovered, has been designated a “variant of concern” by WHO. Early data suggest that it may be more contagious than the Delta strain.
President Joe Biden on Monday urged Americans to get vaccinated or get their booster shots amid warnings about the spread of the Omicron variant – but insisted that the infectious new variant was not a cause for ‘panic’ and said no new restrictions were needed.
Biden stated at the White House that he would fight against this variant using scientific, knowledgeable actions, speed and not chaos and confusion.