Antibody response and seroprevalence in healthcare workers after the BNT162b2 vaccination in a University Hospital at Tokyo

Abstract

In 2020, we reported a low seroprevalence of N-specific antibodies in 4147 health care workers (HCWs) at a frontline hospital in Tokyo, Japan. In Japan, a vaccine campaign was launched in early 2021. We re-evaluated seroprevalences of N- and S-specific antibodies in 2202 HCWs who took two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. In 2021, N-specific seroprevalence remains as low as 1.59%. The seroprevalences were comparable among all HCWs regardless of exposure levels. Almost all of the HCWs elicited S-specific antibodies after vaccination. However, the HCWs who had COVID-19 elicited higher S-specific antibody titers than those who did not have COVID-19. In the HCWs without a history of COVID-19, 1.1% (23 out of 2185) were seropositive with N-specific antibodies, indicating the existence of asymptomatic infections. Also, S-specific antibody titers were higher in females and younger HCWs, and in those who had severe side effects. However, S-specific antibody titers were lower depending on the number of days after the second dose of vaccination specifically in elderly individuals. In conclusion, this study indicates N-specific seroprevalence remains low in HCWs at a frontline hospital in Tokyo. The mRNA vaccine elicited S-specific antibody in HCWs, however, the titers decreased as the days proceeded.