Increase in SARS-CoV-2 RBD-Specific IgA and IgG Antibodies in Human Milk From Lactating Women Following the COVID-19 Booster Vaccination

Abstract

Background: The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a third dose or booster of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (BNT162b2) COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in September 2021 for high-risk individuals. Pregnant and high-risk lactating women were encouraged to receive the booster to obtain potential prolonged protection for themselves and their infants. Research Aim: To investigate the ability of the booster vaccine to increase IgA and IgG antibodies specific to the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in human milk compared to levels pre-booster. Methods: This was a prospective one-group study with a pretest-posttest design. Six of 12 participants were recruited prospectively. Participants were instructed to collect ≥ 2 ounces of milk in the morning at 30 days and 1-day pre-booster, and 7, 14, 21, 30, 45, and 60 days post-booster. Levels of IgA and IgG antibodies specific to the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were quantified in human milk via an ELISA assay. Results: We found a significant increase in anti-receptor-binding domain-specific IgA and IgG antibodies in human milk 1–2 weeks after the Pfizer-BioNTech booster and at the study endpoint (45- and 60-days post-booster) Conclusions: This suggests that the booster vaccination enhances SARS-CoV-2 specific immunity in human milk, which may be protective for infants.