Safety of a second homologous Ad26.COV2.S vaccine among healthcare workers in the phase 3b implementation Sisonke study in South Africa

Vaccine. 2024 Feb 27;42(6):1195-1199. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.066. Epub 2024 Jan 25.

Abstract

The Sisonke 2 study provided a homologous boost at least 6 months after administration of the priming dose of Ad26.COV2.S for healthcare workers enrolled on the Sisonke phase 3b implementation study. Safety monitoring was via five reporting sources: (i.) self-report through a web-link; (ii.) paper-based case report forms; (iii.) a toll-free telephonic reporting line; (iv.) healthcare professionals-initiated reports; and (v.) active linkage with National Disease Databases. A total of 2350 adverse events were reported by 2117 of the 240 888 (0.88%) participants enrolled; 1625 of the 2350 reported events are reactogenicity events and 28 adverse events met seriousness criteria. No cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopaenia syndrome were reported; all adverse events including thromboembolic disorders occurred at a rate below the expected population rates apart from one case of Guillain Barre Syndrome and one case of portal vein thrombosis. The Sisonke 2 study demonstrates that two doses of Ad26.COV2.S is safe and well tolerated; and provides a feasible model for national pharmacovigilance strategies for low- and middle-income settings.

Keywords: Ad26.COV2.S; Homologous boost; Pharmacovigilance; Sisonke study; Vaccine safety.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III

MeSH terms

  • Ad26COVS1
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • South Africa
  • Thrombosis*

Substances

  • Ad26COVS1