Pre-Existing Comorbidities Diminish the Likelihood of Seropositivity After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

ABSTRACT Background The impact of chronic health conditions (CHC) on serostatus post-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination is unknown. Methods We assessed serostatus post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among fully vaccinated adult residents of Jefferson County, Kentucky, USA from April 2021 through August 2021. Serostatus was determined by qualitative analysis of SARS-CoV-2 specific Spike IgG antibodies via enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) in peripheral blood samples. Results Of the 5,178 fully vaccinated participants, 51 were seronegative and 5,127 were seropositive. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and autoimmune disease showed highest association with negative serostatus in fully vaccinated individuals. The absence of any CHC was strongly associated with positive serostatus. The risk of negative serostatus increased as the total number of pre-existing CHCs increased. Similarly, use of 2 or more CHC related medications was associated with seronegative status. Conclusions Presence of any CHC, especially CKD or autoimmune disease, increased the likelihood of seronegative status among individuals who were fully vaccinated to SAR-CoV-2. This risk increased with a concurrent increase in number of comorbidities, especially with multiple medications. Absence of any CHC was protective and increased the likelihood of a positive serological response. These results will help develop appropriate guidelines for booster doses and targeted vaccination programs.