In-depth Characterization of Vaccine Breakthrough Infections With SARS-CoV-2 Among Health Care Workers in a Dutch Academic Medical Center

Lidewij W Rümke, Femke C Groenveld, Yvonne M G van Os, Patrique Praest, Anniek A N Tanja, Dorien T C M de Jong, Jori Symons, Rob Schuurman, Tessa Reinders, L Marije Hofstra, Stefan Nierkens, Steven F T Thijsen, Michiel Heron, Robert-Jan Lebbink, Jeffrey M Beekman, Monique Nijhuis, Annemarie M J Wensing

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Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination raises concerns about the emergence of vaccine escape variants. Here we characterize 14 breakthrough infections among 5860 fully vaccinated Dutch health care workers ≥14 days after the final dose of vaccination with either BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, or Ad26.COV2.S. These breakthrough infections presented with regular B.1.1.7 (Alpha) and B.1.617.2 (Delta) variants and high viral loads, despite normal vaccine-induced B- and T-cell immune responses detected by live virus neutralization assays and ELISpot. High-risk exposure settings, such as in households, indicate a potential risk of viral transmission despite full vaccination.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberofab553
Pages (from-to)1-6
JournalOpen forum infectious diseases
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2022

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • immunity
  • postvaccination infection
  • vaccine breakthrough

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