Immune response to COVID-19 vaccines in people with immunodeficiencies

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccine research in immune-deficient/disordered people (IDP) has primarily focused on cancer and organ transplantation populations. We followed 195 IDP with varied immune disorders and 35 healthy volunteers (HV) from April 2021-April 2022. Anti-spike IgG and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 pseudo-neutralization were measured though six months post-dose 3. Anti-spike IgG was detected in 93% of IDP by six months post-dose 3. IgG dynamics in IDP and HV were similar, though median IgG levels for IDP were <33% of HV at all timepoints. IgG concentrations were lower against Omicron BA.1 than other variants at all timepoints. Pseudo-neutralization capacity was modestly correlated with anti-spike IgG concentration, but was especially low for Omicron BA.1. Post-vaccination adverse events were minimal. Results were largely unaffected by participants’ immunomodulatory medication and treatments. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, induce anti-spike IgG in most IDP, and should be more strongly recommended for people with immunodeficiencies.