October 7, 2021 – According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, women have been found to have higher immunity protection against COVID-19 than men after receiving their second shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
The 6-month study involving vaccinated healthcare workers found that the level of “IgG antibodies decreased at a consistent rate, whereas the neutralizing antibody level decreased rapidly for the first 3 months with a relatively slow decrease thereafter.” Over 4,800 healthcare workers in Israel participated in this study from December to July, during which Israel was one of the countries to do a nationwide vaccination rollout.
The results of the study showed that while the antibodies in vaccinated people fell over the 6-month period, women had higher counts of antibodies than men at the peak and conclusion of the study.
COVID-19 vaccinations are the most effective form of prevention for severe symptoms, hospitalizations, and death, and this study could add weight to those who are pushing for booster shots. In addition to the findings on women’s immunity, the study also suggested that people ages 18 to 45 who have gotten their second shot had a stronger immune response than those over 65.
The Washington Post reported that Peter Marks, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said that “updated data might make a strong case in support of everyone 18 and older being eligible for coronavirus vaccine boosters.”
According to the report, the Food and Drug Administration is preparing to meet with outside advisers to discuss booster shots for both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.