Effects of gender on the efficacy and response to COVID-19 vaccination; a review study on current knowledge

Abstract

Vaccination is one of the most important public health strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity of various infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic was declared, on March 11, 2020, since then, the virus has spread rapidly, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines have played the main substantial role in advancing the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. As is well known, sex/gender-related differences affect vaccine efficacy, response, and acceptability. This review aims to compare the effects of sexual dimorphism and gender-related differences factors on the efficacy, responses, and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines. As far as the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is concerned, both males and females with the COVID-19 vaccine showed consistent and impressive efficacy; although males showed slightly greater efficacy, there was no significant correlation between the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and their sex or gender differences. Consequently, to reduce adverse reactions in females, sex differences should be considered in the design of the COVID-19 vaccine. It is also essential to conduct pragmatic trials to verify whether sex differences in vaccine response and efficacy vary with age.

Humoral Immunity across the SARS-CoV-2 Spike after Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) Vaccination

“…No differences were observed between sex and anti-S Abs levels, in agreement with previous reports [ 39 ]. The correlation between reactivities to S, SNT and age exhibited an age-independent response.…”

Humoral immunity across the SARS-CoV-2 Spike after Sputnik V (Gam‑COVID‑Vac) vaccination

“…No differences were observed between sex and the anti-S Abs levels, in agreement with previous reports [39]. The correlation between reactivities to S, SNT and age exhibited an age-independent response.…”