Response In Healthcare Workers Research Articles

Psycho-behavioral responses of Nigerian health workers to an initial human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus disease.

Previous pandemics have had significant impact on psychological well-being of front-line health care workers. Issues such as fear of contracting the disease, high workload as a result of high numbers of infected cases, increased job stress and unavailability of personal protective equipment have been implicated in development of psychological distress in this subset of individuals. The aim of the present paper is to describe psychobehavioral responses of health care workers and potential predictors of emotional response at onset of COVID- 19 outbreak in Nigeria.Cross-sectional web-based survey and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) were administered anonymously to 444 respondents comprising various categories of frontline healthcare workers. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to determine predictors of anxiety scores. Participants were mostly young adults (mean age 38 years), females (57%), living with a partner (78.2%) and medical doctors (56.8%). Restrictions in clinical activities and use of hand sanitizers were commonest precautionary behaviors. Commonest emotional responses were anger and despair (27.0% and 25.7%), respectively. About 42.8% had clinically significant anxiety symptoms with highest burden among nurses. Perception of likelihood of 2nd wave (p=0.03), self-preparedness (p=0.04), gender (p=0.01) and cadre (p=0.02) were significant predictors of emotional response of anxiety.Study findings highlighted diverse psychological reactions of health care workers with a large proportion screening positive for significant anxiety symptoms. This has implications for planning a comprehensive psychosocial response to COVID-19 pandemic and for future pandemics among frontline health care workers in lowresource settings.

Persistence and Waning of Natural SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Over 18 Months: Long-Term Durability of IgG Humoral Response in Healthcare Workers.

Persistence and Waning of Natural SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Over 18 Months: Long-Term Durability of IgG Humoral Response in Healthcare Workers.

Persistent Spike-specific T cell immunity despite antibody reduction after 3 months from SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2-mRNA vaccine

Vaccine is the main public health measure to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission and hospitalization, and a massive scientific effort worldwide resulted in the rapid development of effective vaccines. This work aimed to define the dynamics and persistence of humoral and cell-mediated immune response in Health Care Workers who received a two-dose BNT162b2-mRNA vaccination. Serological response was evaluated by quantifying anti-RBD and neutralizing antibodies while cell-mediated response was performed by a whole blood test quantifying Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2) produced in response to Spike peptides. BNT162b2-mRNA vaccine induced both humoral and cell-mediated immune response against Spike in all HCW early after the second dose. After 12 weeks from vaccination, the titer of anti-RBD antibodies as well as their neutralization function decreased while the Spike-specific T-cells persisted at the same level as soon after vaccine boost. Of note, a correlation between cellular and humoral response persevered, suggesting the persistence of a coordinated immune response. The long lasting cell-mediated immune response after 3 months from vaccination highlight its importance in the maintaining of specific immunity able to expand again to fight eventual new antigen encountering.

Early and Longitudinal Humoral Response to the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA BNT162b2 Vaccine in Healthcare Workers: Significance of BMI, Adipose Tissue and Muscle Mass on Long-Lasting Post-Vaccinal Immunity.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the early and longitudinal humoral response in Healthcare Workers (HCWs) after two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine and to assess the association between metabolic and anthropometric parameters and the humoral response after vaccination. Methods: The study included 243 fully vaccinated HCWs: 25.50% previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 (with prior history of COVID-19—PH) and 74.40%—uninfected, seronegative before the first vaccination (with no prior history of COVID-19—NPH). IgG antibodies were measured, and sera were collected: prior to the vaccination, 21 days after the first dose, and 14 days and 8 months after the second dose. Results: 21 days after the first dose, 90.95% of individuals were seropositive; 14 days after the second dose, persistent immunity was observed in 99.18% HCWs, 8 months after complete vaccination—in 61.73%. Statistical analysis revealed that HCWs with PH had a greater chance of maintaining a humoral response beyond eight months after vaccination. Increased muscle mass, decreased fat mass, and younger age may positively affect long-term immunity. Smokers have a reduced chance of developing immunity compared to non-smokers. Conclusions: Fully vaccinated HCWs with PH are more likely to be seropositive than fully inoculated volunteers with NPH.

Tracking Turnover Among Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The health care sector lost millions of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and job recovery has been slow, particularly in long-term care. To identify which health care workers were at highest risk of exiting the health care workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted among individuals employed full-time in health care jobs from 2019 to 2021 in the US. Using the data from the Current Population Survey (CPS), we compared turnover rates before the pandemic (preperiod, January 2019-March 2020; 71 843 observations from CPS) with the first 9 months (postperiod 1, April 2020-December 2020; 38 556 observations) and latter 8 months of the pandemic (postperiod 2, January 2021-October 2021; 44 389 observations). Health care workforce exits (also referred to as turnover) defined as a health care worker's response to the CPS as being unemployed or out of the labor force in a month subsequent to a month when they reported being actively employed in the health care workforce. The probability of exiting the health care workforce was estimated using a logistic regression model controlling for health care occupation, health care setting, being female, having a child younger than 5 years old in the household, race and ethnicity, age and age squared, citizenship status, being married, having less than a bachelor's degree, living in a metropolitan area, identifier for those reporting employment status at the first peak of COVID-19, and select interaction terms with time periods (postperiods 1 and 2). Data analyses were conducted from March 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022. The study population comprised 125 717 unique health care workers with a mean (SD) age of 42.3 (12.1) years; 96 802 (77.0%) were women; 84 733 (67.4%) were White individuals. Estimated health care turnover rates peaked in postperiod 1, but largely recovered by postperiod 2, except for among long-term care workers and physicians. We found a 4-fold difference in turnover rates between physicians and health aides or assistants. Rates were also higher for health workers with young children (<5 years), for both sexes and highest among women. By race and ethnicity, persistently higher turnover rates were found among American Indian/Alaska Native/Pacific Islander workers; White workers had persistently lower rates; and Black and Latino workers experienced the slowest job recovery rates. The findings of this observational cross-sectional study suggest that although much of the health care workforce is on track to recover to prepandemic turnover rates, these rates have been persistently high and slow to recover among long-term care workers, health aides and assistants, workers of minoritized racial and ethnic groups, and women with young children. Given the high demand for long-term care workers, targeted attention is needed to recruit job-seeking health care workers and to retain those currently in these jobs to lessen turnover.

Persistence of Immune Response in Health Care Workers After Two Doses BNT162b2 in a Longitudinal Observational Study.

BackgroundThe mRNA-based vaccine BNT162b2 of BioNTech/Pfizer has shown high efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection and a severe course of the COVID-19 disease. However, little is known about the long-term durability of the induced immune response resulting from the vaccination.MethodsIn a longitudinal observational study in employees at a German hospital we compared the humoral and cellular immune response in 184 participants after two doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine (BNT162b2) with a mid-term follow-up after 9 months. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 binding antibodies were determined using both a quantitative and a semi-quantitative assay. For a qualitative assessment of the humoral immune response, we additionally measured neutralizing antibodies. Cellular immune response was evaluated by measuring Interferon-gamma release after stimulating blood-cells with SARS-CoV-2 specific peptides using a commercial assay.ResultsIn the first analysis, a 100% humoral response rate was described after two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine with a mean antibody ratio of 8.01 ± 1.00. 9 months after the second dose of BNT162b2, serological testing showed a significant decreased mean antibody ratio of 3.84 ± 1.69 (p < 0.001). Neutralizing antibodies were still detectable in 96% of all participants, showing an average binding inhibition value of 68.20% ± 18.87%. Older age (p < 0.001) and obesity (p = 0.01) had a negative effect on the antibody persistence. SARS-CoV-2 specific cellular immune response was proven in 75% of individuals (mean Interferon-gamma release: 579.68 mlU/ml ± 705.56 mlU/ml).ConclusionOur data shows a declining immune response 9 months after the second dose of BNT162b2, supporting the potentially beneficial effect of booster vaccinations, the negative effect of obesity and age stresses the need of booster doses especially in these groups.

Limited T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine among patients with cancer receiving different cancer treatments

IntroductionPatients with cancer (PC) are at high risk of acquiring COVID-19 and can develop more serious complications. Deeper understanding of vaccines immunogenicity in this population is crucial for adequately planning vaccines programs. The ONCOVac study aimed to comprehensively assess the immunogenicity of mRNA-1273 vaccine in terms of humoral and cellular response. MethodsWe conducted a prospective, single-center study including patients with solid tumours treated with cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i), immunotherapy (IT) or chemotherapy (CT). Patients were enrolled previously to vaccination with mRNA-1273. We also involved health care workers (HCW) to serve as a control group. We took blood samples before first dose administration (BL), after first dose (1D), and after second dose (2D). The primary objective was to compare the rate and magnitude of T cell response after second dose whereas safety and humoral response were defined as secondary objectives. We also collected patient reported outcomes after both the first and second vaccine dose and a six-month follow-up period to diagnose incident COVID-19 cases was planned. ResultsThe rate of specific anti-S serologic positivity (anti-S IgG cut-off point at 7,14 BAU/mL) was significantly higher in HCW compared to PC after 1D (100% versus 83.8%; p = 0.04), but similar after 2D (100% versus 95.8%; p = 0.5). This difference after 1D was driven by PC treated with CT (100% versus 64.5%; p = 0.001). Cellular response after 2D was significantly lower in PC than in HCW for both CD4+ (91.7% versus 59.7%; p = 0.001) and CD8+ (94.4% versus 55.6%; p < 0.001) T cells. We found a difference on pre-existing CD4+ T cell response in HCW comparing to PC (36% and 17%, p = 0.03); without difference in pre-existing CD8+ T cell response (31% and 23%, p = 0.5). After excluding patients with pre-existing T cell response, PC achieved even lower CD4+ (50.9% versus 95.5%, p < 0.001) and CD8+ (45.5% versus 95.5%, p < 0.001) T cell response compared with HCW. Regarding safety, PC reported notably more adverse events than HCW (96.6% versus 69.2%, p < 0.001). ConclusionWe demonstrated that PC showed a similar humoral response but a lower T cell response following two doses of mRNA-1273 vaccination. Further studies are needed to complement our results and determine the implication of low T cell response on clinical protection of PC against COVID-19.

Evaluación de la respuesta de los anticuerpos IGG específicos contra SARS-CoV-2 en el personal de salud con el esquema completo de la vacuna Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac)

BackgroundVaccination for COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCW) is essential to protect one of the populations most exposed to this disease. However, data on the humoral response rate to the vaccine and the factors associated with it in this population are limited. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs with complete Sputnik V vaccine scheme and factors associated with an increased antibody response. Material and methodsProspective study to evaluate the anti-SARS-CoV-2 humoral response in HCWs vaccinated with two doses of the Sputnik V vaccine (April-July 2021). The assessment of anti-Spike IgG antibodies in plasma was performed using the COVIDAR IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A logistic regression was performed to identify independent factors associated with a positive IgG serology test and an elevated antibody response. ResultsA total of 630 HCWs were enrolled. Median age (IQR): 47 years (35-56). Female sex: 462 (73.33%). Previous COVID-19: 158 (25%). The median interval time between vaccine doses was 3 (3-4) weeks. Positive serology was observed in 607 (96.35%) HCWs. In the multivariate analysis, a history of systemic reactogenicity was identified as an independent variable associated with a positive serology; and history of systemic reactogenicity, COVID-19, interval between doses ≥4 weeks and time to serology <14 weeks were associated with an elevated antibody response. ConclusionsThis study provides data on the humoral response to the Sputnik V vaccine in a real-life setting. These initial data can contribute to the development of future immunization strategies in HCWs.

Assessment of Diagnostic Specificity of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Tests and Their Application for Monitoring of Seroconversion and Stability of Antiviral Antibody Response in Healthcare Workers in Moscow.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing is an efficient tool to assess the proportion of seropositive population due to infection and/or vaccination. Numerous test systems utilizing various antigen composition(s) are routinely used for detection and quantitation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We determined their diagnostic specificity using archived true-negative samples collected before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using test systems demonstrating 98.5–100% specificity, we assessed the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion and durability of anti-spike (S) antibodies in healthcare professionals (n = 100) working in Moscow during the first two cycles of the pandemic (May 2020 to June 2021) outside of the “red zone”. Analysis revealed a rapid increase in anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity from 19 to 80% (19/100 and 80/100, respectively) due to virus exposition/infection; only 16.3% of seroconversion cases (13/80) were due to vaccination, but not the virus exposure, although massive COVID-19 vaccination of healthcare workers was performed beginning in December 2020. In total, 12.7% (8/63) remained positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM for >6 months, indicating unsuitability of IgM for identification of newly infected individuals. All except one remained seropositive for anti-S antibodies for >9 months on average. Significant (>15%) declines in anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations were observed in only 18% of individuals (9/50). Our data on the high seropositivity rate and stability of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in healthcare personnel working outside of the “red zone” indicate their regular exposition to SARS-CoV-2/an increased risk of infection, while a low frequency of vaccine-induced antibody response acquired after the start of vaccination points to vaccine hesitancy.

Antibody Response After Two Doses of Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Healthcare Workers with and without Previous COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective Observational Study

In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-S1 IgG response that occurs after inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine and the factors affecting this response in healthcare workers (HCWs) who are in the risk group for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A total of 276 HCWs, of whom 82 previously exposed to COVID-19 infection and 194 naive who are working in Kafkas University Faculty of Medicine, Health Research and Application Center were included in this study. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA IgG (Euroimmun, Lubeck, Germany) kit, coated with recombinant S1 antigen including the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein was used for quantitative determination of the humoral immune response in serum samples 28 days after the first and second dose of vaccination. The antibody responses and the mean antibody levels of 194 naive HCWs 28 days after the first and second doses of vaccine were determined to be 27.2%, 98.5% and 19.72 ± 38.73 BAU, 222.09 ± 119.18 binding antibody unit (BAU), respectively. The mean antibody levels of 82 HCWs previously exposed to COVID-19 infection 28 days after the first and second doses of vaccine were 268.27 ± 112.91 BAU and 309.45 ± 112.75 BAU, respectively. The antibody response reached 100% after the first dose of vaccination. A statistically significant difference was observed between the antibody levels after the first and second doses of vaccine in both groups (p<0.001). It was determined that the mean antibody level formed after the first dose of vaccine administration of HCWs who had COVID-19 infection was statistically higher than the mean antibody level formed after the second dose of vaccine in naive individuals (p= 0.003). There was no significant difference in mean antibody levels after the first (269.10 ± 117.24 BAU and 266.59 ± 105.65 BAU, respectively) and second doses (309.98 ± 113.17 and 308.36 ± 114.04 BAU, respectively) between individuals previously exposed to COVID-19 infection in the last three months and more than three months (p= 0.925 and p= 0.951, respectively). The highest antibody levels were detected in the 19-30 age group (251.50 ± 119.81 BAU), women (249.03 ± 118.57 BAU), body mass index (BMI)<20 kg/m2 group (267.08 ± 137.51) and non-smokers (237.85 ± 124.83 BAU) in naive HCWs after the second dose of vaccination. A statistically significant difference was found between age, gender, BMI, smoking and vaccine response (p= 0.003, p= 0.005, p= 0.008 and p= 0.036, respectively). The post-vaccination adverse effects after the first and second doses of vaccination were not observed in 76.1% and 73.9% of HCWs, respectively. There was no increase in the frequency of post-vaccination adverse events after the first and second doses in individuals previously exposed to COVID-19 infection and naive persons (p= 0.46 and p= 0.43, respectively). It was determined that the mean antibody level after the first dose of vaccination in HCWs previously exposed to COVID-19 infection was higher than naive individuals after the second dose vaccination. Prospective clinical studies on antibody levels and their duration of protection are needed for the prevention of COVID-19 infection.

Neutralising Antibodies in Healthcare Workers after Two Doses of Covishield Vaccine at Three Months and Six Months: A Single-centre Observational Study

Introduction: The emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a pandemic has put the global population at risk for its infection. It has also led to an accelerated effort to develop vaccines that can mitigate progression to severe infections at a minimum. The ambiguity about existence of antibodies in the human serum poses problem in formulating public health policies like suitable interval between doses of vaccines, appropriate time for vaccinating population, post natural infection, necessity of booster doses along with single dose. Aim: To estimate neutralising antibody level following vaccination of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) after three months and six months respectively. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study performed in Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India after Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval from January 2021 to February 2022. The study was conducted in 304 HCWs in the institute who had received two doses of Recombinant ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 Corona Virus Vaccine (Covishield). 41 HCWs who were naturally infected with SARS-CoV-2 either before or after vaccination were also included. These participants were then subjected to IgG neutralising antibody titer estimation at three months and six months, postvaccination. Results: The study included 304 eligible HCWs. Majority of the participants belonged to the age group of 31-40 years (35.9%). Majority of the study participants were females (51%). Of the 304 participants, 263 were uninfected and 41 participants had been infected before and after vaccination. At the six month follow-up, it was observed that all but one HCW had seroconverted with majority of the participants showing more than 60% antibody level. Participants in the age group of 31-40 years showed the highest level and this observation was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Neutralising antibody response in HCWs is a key indicator of the efficacy of the vaccination program for Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) in India.

Evaluation of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and their patterns of response in health care workers and general population at a tertiary care Centre

SARS-CoV-2 (previously called 2019-nCoV), and was named in February 2020 as COVID-19 by the WHO. Estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in health care workers (HCW) and general population in the first and second wave and assess the pattern of antibody response in HCW with COVID-19 infected and non-infected over pre and post-vaccination. This was a cohort observational retrospective study done to analyse the seroprevalence in HCW from July-September 2020, in the general population in the first wave (December 2020–February 2021) and second wave (March–September 2021). SARS-CoV-2 testing by RT-PCR (QIAGEN Company). Testing for quantitative IgG and IgM (Abbott) antibodies, Total Antibodies (Roche), Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG RBD(Roche), and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG S1/S2 (Diasorin XL), to assess the pattern of antibody responses categorized as baseline (before the first dose), 14 days after 1st dose, before 2nd dose (45 days post first dose), 14 days post-second dose. Among 1340 HCW, 1268 underwent RT-PCR testing, 540 serology testing and 431 underwent both testing. We identified 164 of 1268 positive RT-PCR and using serology testing 229 of 540 were seropositive. High seropositivity was observed in age group 26-45 years (44.9%) HCW, in males (65.9%), nurses (47.3%), and ward staff (48.6%). High seroprevalence in general population-76.07% in the 2nd wave compared to 1st wave (44.67%). SARS-CoV-2 antibodies showed gender associated seroprevalence and higher immune response was observed in COVID-19 infected than in non-infected HCW pre- and post-vaccination.

SARS-CoV-2-antibody response in health care workers after vaccination or natural infection in a longitudinal observational study

BackgroundFollowing a year of development, several vaccines have been approved to contain the global COVID-19 pandemic. Real world comparative data on immune response following vaccination or natural infection are rare. MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal observational study in employees at a secondary care hospital affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Comparisons were made about the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunglobulin G (IgG) antibody ratio after natural infection, or vaccination with one or two doses of BioNTech/Pfizer (BNT162b2), or one dose of AstraZenca (Vaxzevria) vaccine. ResultsWe found a 100% humoral response rate in participants after 2 doses of BNT162b2 vaccine. The antibody ratio in participants with one dose BNT162b2 and Vaxzevria did not differ significantly to those with previous PCR-confirmed infection, whereas this was significantly lower in comparison to two doses of BioNTech/Pfizer. We could not identify a correlation with previous comorbidities, obesity or age within this study. Smoking showed a negative effect on the antibody response (p = 0.006) ConclusionOur data provide an overview about humoral immune response after natural SARS-CoV-2 infection or following vaccination, and supports the usage of booster vaccinations, especially in patients after a natural SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Effect of COVID-19 on Anti-S Antibody Response in Healthcare Workers Six Months Post-Vaccination

The current study aimed to determine to what extent prior COVID-19 infection affects the response of specific antibodies following vaccination. The study involved 173 healthcare professionals who completed the two-dose vaccination course with BNT162b2, including 40 who previously experienced clinical COVID-19. The levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1S2 IgG (anti-S) and, in some cases, anti-SARS-CoV-S-RBD IgG (anti-S-RBD) were determined six months after complete vaccination. A level exceeding the cut-off values for both anti-S and anti-S-RBD was observed in 100% of subjects, but after setting the analysis to 5- and 10-fold cut-off levels, the percentage of subjects meeting this criterion was significantly higher for anti-S-RBD. The 100-fold cut-off level was achieved by only 21% and 16% for anti-S and anti-S-RBD, respectively. Anti-S and anti-S-RBD levels above ten times the positive cut-off were respectively observed in 91% and 100% individuals with a history of COVID-19, while among those without COVID-19, these values were 64% and 90%, respectively. Significantly higher incidence of values above 10 and 100 times the cut-off became apparent among people with a history of COVID-19. In conclusion, vaccination against COVID-19 following infection with the disease provides higher levels of specific antibodies 6 months after vaccination than those of individuals without a history of the disease, which supports the use of a booster dose, particularly for those who have not experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Field evaluation of BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine response in healthcare workers: a 3-month follow-up

BackgroundEffective and rapid immunologic response to vaccines is a crucial strategy for the control SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Here, we present the results of an ongoing longitudinal observational study conducted among the healthcare workers (HCWs) of the Pineta Grande Hospital (Castel Volturno, Italy), who were administered the two-dose prime-boost mRNA vaccine BNT162b2.MethodsVolunteer HCWs underwent either (i) six RT-PCR assay for qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs; (ii) or six quantitative serology testing for the research of virus-specific immunoglobulins (Ig) through chemiluminescent immunoassay with a reactivity cut-off of an Index of ≥ 1.0. The first tests were taken before the administration of the vaccine and then according to a predefined timeline. An active surveillance follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 infections was set amongst the vaccinees after the end of the study.ResultsOverall, among the 435 HCWs who accepted to participated in the study, 9.3% reported a previous laboratory-confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2, though all subjects tested negative at the time of first vaccine dose. In the swab cohort, seven subjects tested positive in the first 15 days after the first vaccine dose and one about a week from the second dose. At 45- and 60-day follow-ups all vaccinees tested negative, but two positive tests were registered at the third month. In the second cohort, two weeks after the first vaccine dose anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies exceeded the reactivity cut-off in 82.5% the participants. At one-month follow-up, almost all (98.4%) the vaccinees had reached the maximum Index value of 10. No statistically significant associations were found between antibody response and HCWs' characteristics.ConclusionsOur results showed that surveillance is a critical component of providing safe healthcare during COVID-19 pandemic, also after extended vaccination campaigns, thus enhancing the protection of patients and HCWs.Key messages All healthcare facilities should implement continuous post-vaccination surveillance programs in order to ensure patients and healthcare workers safety, and limit in-hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2.Longer field follow-ups are indispensable to investigate immunogenicity trends and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines over time, and to consider booster doses, especially in high-risk population.

Serological response in healthcare workers at an exclusive COVID-19 facility in Delhi

Serological response in healthcare workers at an exclusive COVID-19 facility in Delhi

Serological response in health care workers after a single dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine using six automated SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays

Spike (S)- and nucleocapsid (N)-specific serological assay responses were determined before and/or after first dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in 22 individuals. S-specific assays quantified antibodies after vaccination with significant higher levels in participants with a previous infection. Be cautious combining N-/S-specific assay results, potentially differentiating post-infection/vaccination immunization as assay-specific N-antibody waning was observed.

Antibodies against Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induced by BNT162b2 vaccine: results from a pragmatic, real-life study

BackgroundAs part of the fight against SARS CoV2 infection, vaccination program for health workers at Giannina Gaslini pediatric hospital (IGG) in Genoa, Italy, started on December 2020. We evaluated the anti-Spike protein response in healthcare workers after a complete vaccination scheme of 2 doses spaced by 3 weeks. MethodsImmunoglobulin class G (IgG) against SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD were detected by means of a chemiluminescence immunoassay for quantitative IgG antibodies using Maglumi SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD IgG kit during the 3rd week after vaccination completion. ResultsIgG anti SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were detected in 99.88% of 1765 healthcare workers 3 weeks after 2nd dose of BNT162b2. Higher median IgG values were observed in younger subjects (807 UA/mL in under 30 vs 429 UA/mL in over 60; p < 0.001) and those with previous COVID-19 (1284 vs 574 UA/mL; p < 0.001). ConclusionBNT162b2 is effective in inducing anti SARS-CoV-2 antibodies even in real-life setting. The higher antibody title observed in workers with a previous documented SARS CoV2 infection confirms the possibility to carry out only one dose of BNT162b2 in a context of vaccines shortage.

Coordinate Induction of Humoral and Spike Specific T-Cell Response in a Cohort of Italian Health Care Workers Receiving BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine.

Vaccination is the main public health measure to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission and hospitalization, and a massive worldwide scientific effort resulted in the rapid development of effective vaccines. This work aimed to define the dynamics of humoral and cell-mediated immune response in a cohort of health care workers (HCWs) who received a two-dose BNT162b2-mRNA vaccination. The serological response was evaluated by quantifying the anti-RBD and neutralizing antibodies. The cell-mediated response was performed by a whole blood test quantifying Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2), produced in response to spike peptides. The BNT162b2-mRNA vaccine induced both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against spike peptides in virtually all HCWs without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a moderate inverse relation with age in the anti-RBD response. Spike-specific T cells produced several Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2), which correlated with the specific-serological response. Overall, our study describes the ability of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine to elicit a coordinated neutralizing humoral and spike-specific T cell response in HCWs. Assessing the dynamics of these parameters by an easy immune monitoring protocol can allow for the evaluation of the persistence of the vaccine response in order to define the optimal vaccination strategy.

Neutralizing Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Titer and Reported Adverse Effects, in a Sample of Italian Nursing Home Personnel after Two Doses of the BNT162b2 Vaccine Administered Four Weeks Apart.

Background: The immunization of healthcare workers (HCWs) plays a recognized key role in prevention in the COVID-19 pandemic: in Italy, the vaccination campaign began at the end of December 2020. A better knowledge of the on-field immune response in HCWs, of adverse effects and of the main factors involved is fundamental. Methods: We performed a study on workers at a nursing home in Northern Italy, vaccinated in January–February 2021 with two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine four weeks apart, instead of the three weeks provided for in the original manufacturer protocol. One month after the second dose, the serological titer of IgG-neutralizing anti-RBD antibodies of the subunit S1 of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was determined. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects and adverse effects of vaccination were collected by questionnaire. Results: In all of the workers, high antibody titer, ranging between 20 and 760 times the minimum protective level were observed. Titers were significantly higher in subjects with a previous COVID-19 diagnosis. Adverse effects after the vaccine were more frequent after the second dose, but no severe adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: The two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine, even if administered four weeks apart, induced high titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing IgG in all the operators included in the study.