Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 26, 2021

Variants of Concern Are Overrepresented among Post-Vaccination Breakthrough Infections of SARS-CoV-2 in Washington State

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  • [Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] All (n = 20) breakthrough infections detected among fully vaccinated University of Washington healthcare workers involved a variant of concern, compared to a background rate of 68% of community cases being caused by a variant of concern across WA state during the same time period (N=5,174).  Additionally, variants that have been reported to be less effectively neutralized by antibodies from post-vaccinated individuals (P.1, B.1.351, B.1.427, and B.1.429) were identified in 60% of breakthrough infections and only 37% of all community cases. No breakthrough infections resulted in hospitalization, and 15 of 18 with available clinical information reported symptoms. Vaccination status was not available or reported for community cases, despite the availability of vaccination for the general population during the study period in WA State (Feb-Apr 2021). 

McEwen et al. (May 25, 2021). Variants of Concern Are Overrepresented among Post-Vaccination Breakthrough Infections of SARS-CoV-2 in Washington State. Pre-print downloaded May 26 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.23.21257679