Booster dose of BNT162b2 after two doses of CoronaVac improves neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

Commun Med (Lond). 2022 Jun 29:2:76. doi: 10.1038/s43856-022-00141-4. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Background: The emergence of the new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, which is known to have a large number of mutations when compared to other variants, brought to light the concern about vaccine escape, especially from the neutralization by antibodies induced by vaccination.

Methods: Based on viral microneutralization assays, we evaluated in 90 individuals the impact on antibody neutralization induction, against Omicron variant, by a booster dose of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine after the CoronaVac primary vaccination scheme.

Results: Here we show that the percentage of seroconverted individuals 30 and 60 days after CoronaVac scheme was 16.6% and 10%, respectively. After booster dose administration, the seroconvertion rate increased to 76.6%. The neutralization mean titer against Omicron in the CoronaVac protocol decreased over time, but after the booster dose, the mean titer increased 43.1 times.

Conclusions: These results indicate a positive impact of this vaccine combination in the serological immune response against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

Keywords: Viral infection; Virology.