BNT162b2 vaccine breakthrough: clinical characteristics of 152 fully-vaccinated hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Israel

July 7, 2021

Brosh-Nissimov T, Orenbuch-Harroch E, Chowers M, et al.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection

This multi-sector cohort study aimed to understand risk factors associated with developing COVID-19 after full vaccination. A total of 152 patients from 17 hospitals in Israel who received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine, had a PCR-confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and were hospitalized for COVID-19 were included in the study. Patient demographics consisted of a median age of 71.1 (range 22-98), 70% males, and 25% residents of a long-term care facility. Comorbidities were present in 96% of patients and 40% were immunosuppressed. Though most patients were unaware of the source of infection, 12% were exposed to an infected household member and 11% were exposed in healthcare settings to another patient. Patient mortality rate was 22%, similar to unvaccinated COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized. Aside from higher upper-respiratory viral load, the study was unable to determine a significant risk factor for mechanical ventilation or in-hospital death. Overall, authors encourage prospective longitudinal studies to identify additional predictors for post-vaccine SARAS-CoV-2 infection.

Brosh-Nissimov T, Orenbuch-Harroch E, Chowers M, et al. BNT162b2 vaccine breakthrough: clinical characteristics of 152 fully-vaccinated hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Israel. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27(11): 1652-1657

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