Mild Nature of SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Infections in Healthcare Workers in India

Abstract

The vaccine breakthrough infections (BTI) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in various hospital networks in India have been studied. Apollo Hospital, PGIMER, Medanta, Civil Hospital, Park Hospital, Max, Fortis, Narayana, and Maulana Azad hospitals were included in the study. During the Delta variant surge, the BTI were reported in the range of 6-25%. By comparing the BTI rates during the severe Delta variant wave and less severe Original (Wuhan, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma) strain wave, it was worked out that the BTI were more among HCWs who were exposed to high viral load. In the initial days of the pandemic in the first wave when the total active cases were less, the rates of BTI were in the range of 1.6- 2.6%. When the viral load increased in the second deadly Delta wave, the BTI rose to 6-25%. The real-time data collected has established that the vaccination gave a protective shield against the novel coronavirus infection. Though the BTI were reported but the severity of the infection remained mild with a low hospitalisation rate and oxygen support requirement. No BTI infected HCWs succumbed to the SARS-CoV-2 infections.