Immunogenicity evaluation after BNT162b2 booster vaccination in healthcare workers

Abstract

Waning of the immune response upon vaccination in SARS-CoV-2 infection is an important subject of evaluation in this pandemic, mostly in healthcare workers (HCW) that are constantly in contact with infected samples and patients. Therefore, our study aimed to establish the specific humoral response of specific IgG and IgA antibodies upon vaccination, during the second year of pandemic and evaluating the booster shot with the same vaccine type. A group of 103 HCW with documented exposure to the virus were monitored for specific IgG and IgA levels prior to vaccination, after the first vaccination round, during the following 8 months and after the booster shot with the same vaccine type. After 8 months post-vaccination the humoral response in both IgG and IgA decreased, 2.4 times for IgG, and 2.7 times for IgA. Although the antibodies levels significantly decreased, no documented infection was registered in the group. After the booster shot, the entire group, displayed IgG increased levels, immediately after booster followed by the increase in specific IgA. IgG levels post-second round of vaccination are statistically higher compared to the first round, while IgA is restored at the same levels. Within the vaccination or booster routine for a multiple waves’ pandemic that is generating new virus variants, populational immunity remains an important issue for future implementation of prevention/control measures.