Early induction of anti-Spike binding antibodies and T cells confer protection against COVID-19 in children during an Omicron wave

Abstract

For improved safety, children are vaccinated with a lower dose and extended interval for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines; however, whether there is protection before dose 2 is unknown. We recruited 113 children receiving BNT162b2 primary vaccination during an Omicron wave. After dose 1, 96% had detectable anti-Spike(S) IgG and 100% had S-reactive T cells; those with both had a lower risk of symptomatic infection compared to those with undetectable anti-S IgG [RR 0.19 (95% CI; 0.06, 0.59)]. This suggests that dosing can be extended without risk of insufficient early protection.