Impact of BNT162b2 vaccination and isolation on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Israeli households: an observational study

Abstract

Background Massive vaccination rollouts against SARS-CoV-2 infections have facilitated the easing of control measures in countries like Israel. While several studies have characterized the effectiveness of vaccines against severe forms of COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 infection, estimates of their impact on transmissibility remain limited. Here, we evaluated the role of vaccination and isolation on SARS-CoV-2 transmission within Israeli households. Methods From December 2020 to April 2021, confirmed cases were identified among healthcare workers of the Sheba Medical Centre and their family members. Households were recruited and followed up with repeated PCR for a minimum of ten days after case confirmation. Symptoms and vaccination information were collected at the end of follow-up. We developed a data augmentation Bayesian framework to ascertain how age, isolation and BNT162b2 vaccination with more than 7 days after the 2nd dose impacted household transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Findings 210 households with 215 index cases were enrolled. 269 out of 687 (39%) household contacts developed a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of those, 170 (63%) developed symptoms. Children below 12 years old were less susceptible than adults/teenagers (Relative Risk RR=0.50, 95% Credible Interval CI 0.32-0.79). Vaccination reduced the risk of infection among adults/teenagers (RR=0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.40). Isolation reduced the risk of infection of unvaccinated adult/teenager (RR=0.11, 95% CI 0.05-0.19) and child contacts (RR=0.16, 95% CI 0.07-0.31) compared to unvaccinated adults/teenagers that did not isolate. Infectivity was significantly reduced in vaccinated cases (RR=0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.70). Interpretation Within households, vaccination reduces both the risk of infection and of transmission if infected. When contacts were not vaccinated, isolation also led to important reductions in the risk of transmission. Vaccinated contacts might reduce their risk of infection if they isolate, although this requires confirmation with additional data. Funding Sheba Medical Center.

What Happens to the Immune System after Vaccination or Recovery from COVID-19?

“…Further, Painter et al (2021) reported a key observation: rapid and universal induction of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T-cells after the first mRNA vaccine dose in naive individuals [106]. This observation is extremely important given the gradual development of antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells also observed by other groups [107,108], which reach maximal levels after the second vaccine dose.…”

“…In addition, much evidence has demonstrated that they can considerably reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Concerning the protective effect, vaccinated individuals who become infected are up to 78% less likely to spread the virus to household members than unvaccinated people [106].…”

SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals: measurement, causes and impact

“…Early experience in the era of Alpha, when most vaccinated individuals had received their vaccines only in recent months, showed lower viral loads in those with breakthrough infections 42 , and measured viral RNA levels were correlated with low antibody levels around the time of infection 45 . Soon after vaccination and in the era of Alpha, vaccination reduced household transmission to unvaccinated individuals 96 . Evidence on the infectiousness of Delta variant breakthrough cases remains limited.…”

Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics news: July 2020

“…2 Vaccination also prevents transmission, according to three studies conducted before the onset of the Delta strain. [3][4][5] The BNT162b2 vaccine prevented 80% of infections, and although the decrease in transmission rate in vaccinated people varied from 40% to 80% in these studies, the combined effect resulted in >88% lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission within households.…”