Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections after full schedule BNT162b2 vaccination in seropositive healthcare workers: a case series from a single institution

Emerg Microbes Infect. 2021 Dec;10(1):1254-1256. doi: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1942230.

Abstract

We report 11 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers (HCW) naïve for COVID-19 and seropositive after the second dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Based on voluntary-based surveillance, they tested positive for different strains of SARS-CoV-2, as Spike gene sequencing showed. Five of them reported mild symptoms. Given the risk for SARS-CoV-2 introduction from asymptomatic vaccinees, this case series suggests the need to continue nasopharyngeal screening programmes.

Keywords: BNT162b2; COVID19; SARS-CoV-2; vaccine; variants of interest.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • BNT162 Vaccine
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / immunology*
  • Female
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasopharynx / virology
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics*
  • Vaccination*

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2
  • BNT162 Vaccine