Chinese COVID-19 vaccine offers poor protection to elderly: study

Beijing-produced Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine produces less antibodies with increasing age, according to a new study by two Hungarian researchers posted on Monday.

In the study, 450 people were given two doses of the Sinopharm vaccine and blood samples were taken two weeks after the second dose had been administered. Accounting for age, sex and time since the second dose was administered, the researchers noted that the timing and sex had little association with antibody concentration. 

However, the researchers noted that age became a relevant factor. The study found that in people younger than 50, protective antibodies were found in 90 percent of individuals. 

Over time, the study noted that antibody level production decreased.

“A large number of elderly subjects, reaching 25% at 60 years, and up to 50% at ages over 80, were found not to produce any protective antibody,” according to the study.

The study has yet to be certified under peer review.

The Associated Press noted, however, that three outside experts reported that they had no issues concerning the methodology of the study, though one expert said the study may have limited accuracy in its measurements due to the study’s choice of test kits. 

If the study is certified, the new findings could cast doubt on the Sinopharm efficacy in older populations, which was listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for emergency use in May. The authorization by the health body allows the vaccine to be used for global use.

A WHO spokesperson said that their experts “are aware of the study and continue to look at all available evidence,” according to the AP, noting that some advisers from the organizations had questioned whether the vaccine provided protection to people over 60.

The news outlet said that an expert for the international organization believed that the vaccine would not affect elderly populations differently.

China’s National Health Commission said it would only heed studies issued by research institutions and governments and would not comment on the study, AP reported.

The Hill has reached out to WHO for comment.