Immunogenicity and Reactogenicity of mRNA BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine among Thai Adolescents with Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Adolescents with underlying diseases are at risk of severe COVID-19. The immune response of BNT162b2 may be poor among immunocompromised adolescents. We aim to describe immunogenicity of mRNA BNT162b2 among adolescents who are immunocompromised or have chronic diseases. We recruited adolescents 12–18 years of age; group A impaired-immunity (post-transplantation, cancer, on immunosuppressive drugs) and group B chronic diseases. A two-dose regimen of BNT162b2 was given. Immunogenicity was determined by surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) and IgG against receptor-binding domain (RBD). From August to October 2021, 312 adolescents, with a median age (IQR) of 15 years (13.7–16.5), were enrolled (group A 100, group B 212). The geometric means (GMs) of sVNT (% inhibition) against Delta strain and anti-RBD IgG (BAU/mL) after the 2nd dose among group A were: post-transplantation recipients 52.9 (95% CI 37.7–74.2) and 233.6 (95% CI 79–690.6); adolescents with cancer 62.3 (95% CI 29.2–133.1) and 214.9(95% CI 34.2–1348.6); and adolescents with other immunosuppressive conditions 66.7 (95% CI 52.4–84.8) and 849.8 (95% CI 393.4–1835.8). In group B were: adolescents living with HIV 98 (95% CI 97.3–98.8) and 3240.3 (95% CI 2699–3890.2), and adolescents with other chronic disease 98.6 (95% CI 98.3–98.9) and 3818.5 (95% CI 3490.4–4177.4). At day 90, immunity declined; among impaired-immunity participants were 43.9 (95% CI 30.8–62.4) and 178.7 (95% CI 91.2–350.1) and adolescents with chronic diseases were 90.6 (95% CI 88.4–92.8) and 1037.1 (95% CI 933.3–1152.5). In conclusion, adolescents with impaired immunity had a poor response to 2-doses of BNT162b2, additional dose should be considered. Adolescents with chronic diseases had excellent response but immunity waned after 3 m, booster dose may be required.