Is there a difference in the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine in males and females? - A systematic review and meta-analysis
Zheng Zhu, Lizhen Xu, Gang Chen
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Females generally have higher antibody responses to viral vaccines. Our objectives were to compare gender differences in the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: Data sources: Studies from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. RESULTS: = .367, 643,127 participants). CONCLUSION: Despite significant biological and behavioral differences between males and females, we found no significant gender differences in the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, especially in younger populations. Further pragmatic trials are needed to confirm the gender differences in protective response of different types of vaccines to different age groups.