BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine Reactogenicity: The key role of immunity. Issue 51 (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vizcarra, Pilar; Haemmerle, Johannes; Velasco, Hector; Velasco, Tamara; Fernández-Escribano, Marina; Vallejo, Alejandro; Casado, José L.
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 39:Issue 51(2021)
• Page Start: 7367
• Page End: 7374
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2 -- COVID-19 -- BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine -- Reactogenicity -- T-cell responses -- Booster effect; BMI body mass index -- CI Confidence Interval -- HCWs healthcare workers -- PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells -- RR relative risk; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.10.074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: BNT162b2 vaccine reactogenicity is attributable to pre-existing T-cell immunity. Systemic reactogenicity is associated with the severity of previous COVID-19. Systemic reactogenicity expresses an immunity-boosting effect. Abstract: We examined the impact of pre-existing SARS-CoV-2-specific cellular immunity on BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine reactogenicity. Of 96 healthcare workers (HCWs), 76% reported any vaccine reaction (first dose: 70%, second dose: 67%), none of which was severe. Following first dose, systemic reactions were significantly more frequent among HCWs with past infection than in infection-naïve individuals, and among HCWs with pre-existing cellular immunity than in those without it. The rate of systemic reactions after second dose was 1.7 and 2.0-times higher than after first dose among infection-naïve HCWs and those without pre-existing cellular immunity, respectively. Levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cells before vaccination were higher in HCWs with systemic reactions after the first dose than in those without them. BNT162b2 vaccine reactogenicity after first dose is attributable to pre-existing cellular immunity elicited by prior COVID-19 or cross-reactivity. Reactogenicity following second dose suggests an immunity-boosting effect. Overall, these data may reduce negative attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines. Study Registration. The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04402827.