Prevalence, severity, and trends in drug therapy of COVID-19 breakthrough infection at L-3 COVID Hospital, Bareilly: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems, and the world of work. The availability of a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 is well recognized as an additional tool to contribute to the control of the pandemic. Although vaccines proved efficacious in preventing infection, yet some cases of post-vaccination breakthrough infections (BTIs) have been reported, raising concerns about the efficacy and safety of COVID vaccines. Aim and Objectives: This study was aimed to investigate the occurrence of BTIs among the vaccinated healthcare workers (HCWs), to analyze the severity of their disease and to know the trends in drug therapy. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data were obtained by a predesigned questionnaire and was distributed through Google platform. Details of time, severity of BTIs and the trends in drug therapy among the vaccinated healthcare workers (HCWs) was evaluated and statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 616 HCWs participated in the study, out of which 553 were vaccinated and 63 of them were unvaccinated. About 15%, that is, 85/553 of the vaccinated HCWs developed BTI. Case rate was lesser (12.9%) in fully vaccinated HCWs as compared to partially vaccinated HCWs (19.5%). Most BTI cases (94%) suffered mild to moderate severity of symptoms and were managed in home isolation with medicines (mainly paracetamol, azithromycin, and doxycycline). Only five out of 85 BTI cases developed severe disease and needed hospitalization. Conclusion: BTIs after COVID-19 vaccination are uncommon and typically present with mild symptoms. Thus, vaccination along with hand sanitization, wearing of masks, and maintaining social distancing has provided hope in combating the pandemic.