Antibody response to BNT162b vaccine is almost universal in health care workers. Results from the RENAISSANCE study: REsponse to BNT162b2 COVID-19 vacciNe - short And long term Immune reSponSe evAluatioN in healthCare workErs

Pani, Arianna; Cento, Valeria; Vismara, Chiara; Campisi, Daniela; Di Ruscio, Federica; Romandini, Alessandra; Senatore, Michele; Schenardi, Paolo Andrea; Gagliardi, Oscar Matteo; Giroldi, Simona; Zoppini, Laura; Moreno, Mauro; Corradin, Matteo; Epis, Oscar Massimiliano; Ughi, Nicola; Cuppari, Irene; Crocchiolo, Roberto; Merli, Marco; Bosio, Marco; Rossini, Silvano; Puoti, Massimo; Scaglione, Francesco

Objective To evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG antibodies production after the vaccination with BNT162b2 and the protection from symptomatic breakthrough infections in healthcare workers. Patients and methods This prospective observational study (RENAISSANCE) had as primary endpoint the evaluation of serologic response to BNT162b2 14-days after second dose. SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG antibodies were evaluated with LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG assay, able to detect presence of both binding and neutralizing antibodies for trimeric Spike glycoprotein. Subjects were recruited from February 1, 2021 to February 22, 2021. Occurrence of vaccine-breakthrough infections was assessed by RT-PCR on symptomatic/contact cases, up to June 6, 2021. Results Out of 2569 staff only were 4 non-responders (0.16%, 95%CI:0.04%-0.41%). All 4 non-responders were severely immunosuppressed and on treatment with mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid. At 14-days since 2° dose, the 67.5% of staff had anti-S IgG titers ≥2000 BAU/mL, 19.2% between 1500- 2000 BAU/ml, 9.8% between 1000-1500 BAU/ml, and 3.4% ≤1000 BAU/ml. Females had a higher probability of having higher titers than males (64.5% [1044/1618] vs. 58.3% [410/703]; p=0.005). This was confirmed after adjusting for age group (OR [95%CI]: 1.275 [1.062-1.531]; p=0.009). Four months after the end of vaccination program, only 13 subjects (0.26%) had experienced a breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection, including 1 non-responder. This subject was the only requiring hospitalization for severe COVID-19. Conclusion Vaccination campaign among healthcare workers at the ASST GOM Niguarda has resulted in a significative serologic response, and reduction of incident COVID-19 cases. Yet, the lack of protection should not be overlooked in immunocompromised subjects.