A new cohort study held in Belgium directly compared two of Moderna mRNA-1273, the most widely used COVID-19 vaccine, with Pfizer’s and Biontech BNT162b2, to investigate which vaccine is more effective.
Moderna mRNA-1273 and Pfizer BNT162b2 are both effective COVID-19 vaccines of over 90%. However, since it is difficult to measure the effectiveness of vaccines alone, it is difficult to simply compare them. Therefore, the research team conducted a study directly comparing the humoral immunity of subjects after inoculation of the two vaccines.
The study conducted an anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-enzyme immunoassay to examine blood immunoglobulin levels in 1,647 health care workers working in a Belgian medical center. Of the 1,647 subjects, 688 received Moderna mRNA-1273 and 959 received Pfizer BNT162b2. The test was conducted by examining the subject’s antibody twice before vaccination and 6 to 10 weeks after the second vaccination.
Looking at the results, in the case of Moderna mRNA-1273, the overall average antibody concentration for those aged under 35, 35-55, and over 56 was 2,881 units per milliliter of blood, while Pfizer BNT162b2 had 1,108 units. Those who were vaccinated with moderna had higher levels of antibodies. Among them, the biggest difference was the group of subjects under the age of 35.
Regarding the significant difference in the antibodies produced by the two vaccines, the research team said that Moderna mRNA-1273 has a higher mRNA content and a longer interval between inhalation and boosting compared to Pfizer BNT162b2, but it can be said that the difference in the antibody produced can be seen as a result. Of course, since this study lacks data such as cellular immunity and neutralizing antibodies, future research is needed to determine how antibody differences are related to the duration of immunity acquisition and the risk of infection. Related information can be found here.