Risk factors for breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in vaccinated healthcare workers

Alishaq, Moza; Nafady-Hego, Hanaa; Jeremijenko, Andrew; Al Ajmi, Jameela Ali; Elgendy, Mohamed; Vinoy, Suni; Fareh, Sameera Bihi; Veronica Plaatjies, Justine; Nooh, Mariam; Alanzi, Nadya; Kaleeckal, Anvar H.; Latif, Ali Nizar; Coyle, Peter; Elgendy, Hamed; Abou-Samra, Abdul-Badi; Butt, Adeel Ajwad

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The risk factors for breakthrough infections among healthcare workers (HCW) after completion of a full course of vaccination are poorly understood. Our objective was to determine the risk factors for breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs at a national healthcare system in Qatar. METHODS: We identified all HCWs at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar between December 20, 2020 and May 18, 2021 with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR infection >14 days after the second vaccine dose. For each case thus identified, we identified one control with a negative test after December 20, 2020, matched on age, sex, nationality, job family and date of SARS-CoV-2 testing. We excluded those with a prior positive test and temporary workers. We used Cox regression analysis to determine factors associated with breakthrough infection. RESULTS: Among 22,247 fully vaccinated HCW, we identified 164 HCW who had breakthrough infection and matched them to 164 controls to determine the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection. In the breakthrough infection group the nursing and midwifery job family constituted the largest group, spouse was identified as the most common positive contact followed by a patient. Exposure to a confirmed case, presence of symptoms and all other job families except Allied Health Professionals when compared with nursing and Midwifery staff independently predicted infection. CONCLUSION: Presence of symptoms and contact with a confirmed case are major risk factors for breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, and these groups should be prioritized for screening even after full vaccination.