To vaccinate or not to vaccinate - BNT162b2 seroconversion rate and side effects among Polish healthcare workers

Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022 Dec 15;35(6):761-766. doi: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01887. Epub 2022 Sep 1.

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to analyze the effect of BNT162b2 vaccination among Polish healthcare workers in terms of serologic response and adverse events.

Material and methods: A questionnaire survey covered data in the period January 1-March 31, 2021 gathered in 2 hospitals in Wielkopolska, Poland. Additionally, serological analysis (SARS-CoV-2 anti-S protein IgG) was performed.

Results: A total of 617 medical workers were vaccinated with BNT162b2 (Comirnaty, Pfizer). Data from the questionnaires were received from all of the staff after the first and the second dose. No severe side effects were observed. The most common side effect following the first and second doses of vaccination was pain at the injection site. After the first dose, 3 (1.4 %) women aged 18-55 years, 5 women (3.9 %), and 3 men (8.3 %) aged >55 years had negative SARS-CoV-2 anti-S protein IgG result. After the second dose, all those who agreed to have antibodies tested responded to vaccination with positive SARS-CoV-2 anti-S protein IgG results.

Conclusions: Vaccination tolerance was good in the studied population; no severe side effects were observed. After the second dose, all tested healthcare workers responded to vaccination with antibody production. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(6):761-66.

Keywords: BNT162b2; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; healthcare; side effect; vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • BNT162 Vaccine
  • COVID-19*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Female
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Male
  • Poland
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Seroconversion

Substances

  • BNT162 Vaccine
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin G

Grants and funding

Funding: this study was supported by Poznan University of Medical Sciences (The Department's own resources) and by Hospital in Slupca (The Hospital's own resources).