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Effectiveness of the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine six months after vaccination: findings from a large Israeli HMO

Kertes, J.; Baruch Gez, S.; Saciuk, Y.; Supino-Rosin, L.; Shamir Stein, N.; Mizrahi-Reuveni, M.; Ekka Zohar, A.

2021-09-07 infectious diseases
10.1101/2021.09.01.21262957 medRxiv
Show abstract

Israel is currently experiencing a new wave of CoVid-19 infection, six months after implementing a national vaccination campaign. We carried out three discrete analyses using data from a large Israeli HMO to determine whether IgG levels of those fully vaccinated drop over time, the relationship between IgG titer and subsequent PCR-confirmed infection, and compare PCR-confirmed infection rates by period of vaccination. We found that mean IgG antibody levels steadily decreased over the six-month period in the total tested population, and in all age groups. An inverse relationship was found between IgG titer and subsequent CoVid-19 infection (PCR-positive). Those participants vaccinated in the first two months of the campaign were more likely to become infected than those subsequently vaccinated. The 60+ vaccinated had lower initial IgG levels, and were at greater risk of infection. The findings support the decision to add a booster vaccine for those aged 60 and over. Article Summary LineThe BNT162b2 vaccine was found to be less effective in protecting against Covid-19 infection after six months, and vaccination with a third dose is indicated.

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