Comparison of the reactogenicity and immunogenicity between two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and inactivated COVID-19 vaccine followed by an mRNA vaccine in children aged 5-11 years.

To compare the reactogenicity and immunogenicity between the two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine regimen and one or two doses of inactivated vaccine followed by an mRNA vaccine regimen in healthy children between 5 and 11 years of age, a prospective cohort study was performed at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Thailand between March to June 2022. Healthy children between 5 and 11 years of age were enrolled and received the two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2) regimen or the inactivated (CoronaVac) vaccine followed by the BNT162b2 vaccine regimen. In addition, healthy children who received two doses of BBIBP-CorV between 1 and 3 months prior were enrolled to receive a heterologous BNT162b2 as a third dose (booster). Reactogenicity was assessed by a self-reported online questionnaire. Immunogenicity analysis was performed to determine binding antibodies to wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Neutralizing antibodies to Omicron variants (BA.2 and BA.5) were tested using the focus reduction neutralization test. Overall, 166 eligible children were enrolled. Local and systemic adverse events which occurred within 7 days after vaccination were mild to moderate and well-tolerated. The two-dose BNT162b2, CoronaVac followed by BNT162b2, and two-dose BBIBP-CorV followed by BNT162b2 groups elicited similar levels of anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG. However, the two-dose BNT162b2 and two-dose BBIBP-CorV followed by BNT162b2 groups elicited higher neutralizing activities against the Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 variant than the CoronaVac followed by BNT162b2 group. The CoronaVac followed by BNT162b2 group elicited low neutralizing activities against the Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 variant. A third dose (booster) mRNA vaccine should be prioritized for this group.

Neutralizing Activities Against the Omicron Variant After a Heterologous Booster in Healthy Adults Receiving Two Doses of CoronaVac Vaccination.

BACKGROUND: The use of an inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine (CoronaVac) against SARS-CoV-2 is implemented worldwide. However, waning immunity and breakthrough infections have been observed. Therefore, we hypothesized that the heterologous booster might improve the protection against the delta and omicron variants. METHODS: A total of 224 individuals who completed the 2-dose CoronaVac for 6 months were included. We studied reactogenicity and immunogenicity after a heterologous booster with the inactivated vaccine (BBIBP), the viral vector vaccine (AZD1222), and the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine (both BNT162B2 and mRNA-1273). We also determined immunogenicity at 3- and 6-month boosting intervals. RESULTS: The solicited adverse events were mild to moderate and well tolerated. Total receptor binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin (Ig), anti-RBD IgG, focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT50) against delta and omicron variants, and T-cell response were highest in the mRNA-1273 group followed by the BNT162b2, AZD1222, and BBIBP groups, respectively. We also witnessed a higher total Ig anti-RBD in the long-interval than in the short-interval group. CONCLUSIONS: All 4 booster vaccines significantly increased binding and neutralizing antibodies in individuals immunized with 2 doses of CoronaVac. The present evidence may benefit vaccine strategies to thwart variants of concern, including the omicron variant.

Effects of boosted mRNA and adenoviral-vectored vaccines on immune responses to omicron BA.1 and BA.2 following the heterologous CoronaVac/AZD1222 vaccination.

The coronavirus 2019 omicron variant has surged rapidly and raises concerns about immune evasion even in individuals with complete vaccination, because it harbors mutations. Here we examine the capability of booster vaccination following CoronaVac/AZD1222 prime to induce neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against omicron (BA.1 and BA.2) and T-cell responses. A total of 167 participants primed with heterologous CoronaVac/AZD1222 for 4-5 months were enrolled, to receive AZD1222, BNT162b2, or mRNA-1273 as a third dose. Reactogenicity was recorded. Immunogenicity analyses of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-binding antibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The NAb titers against omicron BA.1 and BA.2 were determined using the focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT50) and total interferon-γ responses were measured to observe the T-cell activation. A substantial loss in neutralizing potency to omicron variant was found at 4-5 months after receiving the heterologous CoronaVac/AZD1222. Following booster vaccination, a significant increase in binding antibodies and neutralizing activities toward delta and omicron variants was observed. Neutralization to omicron BA.1 and BA.2 were comparable, showing the highest titers after boosted mRNA-1273 followed by BNT162b2 and AZD1222. In addition, individuals boosted with messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines develop a T-cell response to spike protein, whereas those boosted with AZD1222 did not. Reactogenicity was mild to moderate without serious adverse events. Our findings demonstrated that mRNA booster vaccination is able to overcome waning immunity to provide antibodies that neutralize omicron BA.1 and BA.2, as well as a T-cell response.

Extending the Stalk Enhances Immunogenicity of the Influenza Virus Neuraminidase.

Influenza viruses express two surface glycoproteins, the hemagglutinin (HA) and the neuraminidase (NA). Anti-NA antibodies protect from lethal influenza virus challenge in the mouse model and correlate inversely with virus shedding and symptoms in humans. Consequently, the NA is a promising target for influenza virus vaccine design. Current seasonal vaccines, however, poorly induce anti-NA antibodies, partly because of the immunodominance of the HA over the NA when the two glycoproteins are closely associated. To address this issue, here we investigated whether extending the stalk domain of the NA could render it more immunogenic on virus particles. Two recombinant influenza viruses based on the H1N1 strain A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8) were rescued with NA stalk domains extended by 15 or 30 amino acids. Formalin-inactivated viruses expressing wild-type NA or the stalk-extended NA variants were used to vaccinate mice. The virus with the 30-amino-acid stalk extension induced significantly higher anti-NA IgG responses (characterized by increased in vitro antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity [ADCC] activity) than the wild-type PR8 virus, while anti-HA IgG levels were unaffected. Similarly, extending the stalk domain of the NA of a recent H3N2 virus enhanced the induction of anti-NA IgGs in mice. On the basis of these results, we hypothesize that the subdominance of the NA can be modulated if the protein is modified such that its height surpasses that of the HA on the viral membrane. Extending the stalk domain of NA may help to enhance its immunogenicity in influenza virus vaccines without compromising antibody responses to HA.IMPORTANCE The efficacy of influenza virus vaccines could be improved by enhancing the immunogenicity of the NA protein. One of the reasons for its poor immunogenicity is the immunodominance of the HA over the NA in many seasonal influenza virus vaccines. Here we demonstrate that, in the mouse model, extending the stalk domain of the NA protein can enhance its immunogenicity on virus particles and overcome the immunodominance of the HA without affecting antibody responses to the HA. The antibody repertoire is broadened by the extended NA and includes additional ADCC-active antibodies. Our findings may assist in the efforts toward more effective influenza virus vaccines.

Genetic and antigenic characterization of hemagglutinin of influenza A/H3N2 virus from the 2015 season in Thailand.

Antigenic changes in the HA1 domain of the influenza A/H3N2 hemagglutinin (HA) present a challenge in the design of the annual influenza vaccine. We examined the genetic variability in the nucleotide and amino acid of encoding HA1 sequences of the influenza A/H3N2 virus during the 2015 influenza season in Thailand. Toward this, the HA genes of 45 influenza A/H3N2 strains were amplified and sequenced. Although a clade 3C.3a strain (A/Switzerland/9715293/2013) was chosen for the 2015 vaccine, phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that strains belonging to clade 3C.2a (96 %) instead of clade 3C.3a (4 %) were circulating that year. Sequence analysis showed that seven codons were under positive selection, five of which were located inside the antigenic epitopes. The percentages of the perfect match vaccine efficacy (VE) estimated by the P epitope model against circulating strains suggested antigenic drift of the dominant epitopes A and B, which contributed to reduced VE of the 2015 vaccine. However, the 2016 vaccine strain (A/Hong Kong/4801/2014) was closely related and well matched against the circulating strain (mean of VE = 79.3 %). These findings provide data on the antigenic drift of the influenza A/H3N2 virus circulating in Thailand and further support continual monitoring and surveillance of the antigenic changes on HA1.

Long-Term Dynamic Changes in Hybrid Immunity over Six Months after Inactivated and Adenoviral Vector Vaccination in Individuals with Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Numerous studies have largely focused on short-term immunogenicity in recovered individuals post mRNA vaccination. However, understanding the long-term durability, particularly in inactivated and adenoviral vectored vaccines, remains limited. We evaluated antibody responses, omicron variant neutralization, and IFN-γ responses in 119 previously infected individuals vaccinated with CoronaVac or ChAdOx1 up to six months post-vaccination. Both vaccines elicited robust immune responses in recovered individuals, surpassing those who were infection-naïve, and these persisted above pre-vaccination levels for six months. However, antibody levels declined over time (geometric mean ratio (GMR) = 0.52 for both vaccines). Notably, neutralizing activities against omicron declined faster in ChAdOx1 (GMR = 0.6) compared to CoronaVac recipients (GMR = 1.03). While the first dose of ChAdOx1 adequately induced immune responses in recovered individuals, a second dose demonstrated advantages in omicron variant neutralization and slower decline. Although both vaccines induced T cell responses, the median IFN-γ level at six months returned to pre-vaccination levels. However, more individuals exhibited reactive T cell responses. Extending the interval (13-15 months) between infection and vaccination could enhance antibody levels and broaden neutralization. Together, these findings demonstrate a robust humoral and cellular response that was sustained for at least six months after vaccination, thus guiding optimal vaccination strategies based on prior infection and vaccine platforms.

Immunogenicity and durability against Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.4/5 variants at 3-4 months after a heterologous COVID-19 booster vaccine in healthy adults with a two-doses CoronaVac vaccination.

Background: Several countries have authorized a booster vaccine campaign to combat the spread of COVID-19. Data on persistence of booster vaccine-induced immunity against new Omicron subvariants are still limited. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the serological immune response of COVID-19 booster after CoronaVac-priming. Methods: A total of 187 CoronaVac-primed participants were enrolled and received an inactivated (BBIBP), viral vector (AZD1222) or mRNA vaccine (full-/half-dose BNT162B2, full-/half-dose mRNA-1273) as a booster dose. The persistence of humoral immunity both binding and neutralizing antibodies against wild-type and Omicron was determined on day 90-120 after booster. Results: A waning of total RBD immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, anti-RBD IgG, and neutralizing antibodies against Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/5 variants was observed 90-120 days after booster vaccination. Participants who received mRNA-1273 had the highest persistence of the immunogenicity response, followed by BNT162b2, AZD1222, and BBIBP-CorV. The responses between full and half doses of mRNA-1273 were comparable. The percentage reduction of binding antibody ranged from 50 % to 75 % among all booster vaccine. Conclusions: The antibody response substantially waned after 90-120 days post-booster dose. The heterologous mRNA and the viral vector booster demonstrated higher detectable rate of humoral immune responses against the Omicron variant compared to the inactivated BBIBP booster. Nevertheless, an additional fourth dose is recommended to maintain immune response against infection.

Dynamic Antibody Response and Hybrid Immunity Following Multiple COVID-19 Vaccine Doses and Infection: A Case Study.

This case study highlights the dynamic nature of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in a vulnerable subject aged 70 years between 2021 and 2023. This individual had been vaccinated with six doses of the ancestral (Wuhan-Hu-1) COVID-19 vaccine and had a breakthrough infection 126 days after receiving Covovax™- (CO) as the sixth dose. The serostatus for total immunoglobulin specific to the receptor binding domain (total RBD Ig) changed from negative to positive following a two-dose CoronaVac (CV) vaccination, indicating a successful immune response. Booster doses, including AZD1222 (AZ), half-dose BNT162b2 (PF), and CO, increased the total RBD Ig levels, except for CV. The individual experienced a breakthrough infection by the Omicron BA.5 variant, leading to a substantial surge in total RBD Ig to over 105 U/mL. This generated sustained and extended antibody persistence, with the half-life of total RBD Ig lasting approximately 103.6 days. Furthermore, it has been observed that this breakthrough infection generated the highest neutralizing antibodies against BA.5, followed by XBB.1.5, BQ.1.1, and BA.2.75, respectively.

Pivoting to protein: the immunogenicity and safety of protein-based NVX-CoV2373 as a heterologous booster for inactivated and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately half of the 13.4 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses administered globally were inactivated or viral vector platforms. The harmonization and optimization of vaccine regimens has become a key focus of policymakers and health-care providers and presents an opportunity to reassess the continued use of pandemic-era vaccines. AREAS COVERED: Immunological evidence from studies of various homologous and heterologous regimens has been rapidly published; however, interpretation of these data is complicated by the many vaccine types and highly variable participant viral exposure and vaccination histories. Recent studies demonstrate that after primary series doses of inactivated (i.e. BBV152, and BBIBP-CorV), and viral vector (ChAdOx1 nCov-2019) vaccines, a heterologous boost with protein-based NVX-CoV2373 elicits more potent ancestral strain and omicron-specific antibody responses compared to homologous and heterologous inactivated and viral vector boosts. EXPERT OPINION: While mRNA vaccines likely yield similar performance to protein-based heterologous booster doses, the latter offers notable advantages to countries with high uptake of inactivated and viral vector vaccines in terms of transportation and storage logistics and can potentially appeal to vaccine hesitant individuals. Moving forward, vaccine-mediated protection in inactivated and viral vector recipients may be optimized with the use of a heterologous protein-based booster such as NVX-CoV2373. PIVOTING TO PROTEIN: The Immunogenicity and Safety of Protein-based NVX-CoV2373 as a Heterologous Booster for Inactivated and Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines. Inactivated or viral vector primary series following a booster dose with homologous or heterologous inactivated vaccines (i.e., BBV152, BBIBP-CorV), and homologous or heterologous viral vector vaccines (i.e., ChAd-Ox1 nCov-19) induces suboptimal immunogenicity compared to the enhanced immunogenicity of heterologous protein-based vaccine NVX-CoV2373.

Durability of immune response against omicron BA.2 and BA.4/5 and T cell responses after boosting with mRNA and adenoviral vector-based vaccines following heterologous CoronaVac/ChAdOx-1nCov-19 vaccination.

Heterologous vaccination with inactivated vaccine followed by adenoviral vector-based vaccine has shown superiority in enhancing immune response compared to homologous primary series. However, data comparing immunity decline after a third booster following heterologous CoronaVac/ChAdOx-1nCov-19 has been limited. Here, we assessed neutralizing activity against omicron variant and T cell response at 3 months monitoring in 96 individuals who received ChAdOx-1nCov-19, BNT162b2, or mRNA-1273 as a third dose following heterologous CoronaVac/ChAdOx-1nCov-19. Comparing the antibody levels at 3 and 1 month(s) after the third booster, the results showed a persistence of anti-RBD IgG in all vaccine regimens, with the IgG level waning slower in the ChAdOx-1nCov-19 boosted group (geometric mean ratio (GMR): 0.64 (95%CI: 0.59-0.70)) compared to the BNT162b2 (0.34 (95%CI:0.31-0.38)) and mRNA-1273 boosted groups (0.32 (95%CI: 0.29-0.36)). Neutralizing activity against omicron BA.2 and BA.4/5 dropped by 1.2 to 1.5-fold but remained detectable, with the highest level observed in the mRNA-1273 group, followed by BNT162b2 and ChAdOx-1nCov-19 groups, respectively. Furthermore, the number of individuals with T cell reactivity decreased in BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 groups, while it increased in ChAdOx-1nCov-19 group at 3-month post-boost compared to 1 month. Data on the durability of immune response could help comprehensively optimize the booster vaccine strategy.

Evaluation of Anti-S1 IgA Response to Different COVID-19 Vaccination Regimens.

IgA plays a crucial role in early virus neutralization. To identify the IgA stimulation by COVID-19 vaccine, this study aimed to evaluate the level of anti-S1 IgA in the serum of participants immunized with different COVID-19 vaccination regimens. Sera from 567 eligible participants vaccinated with two, three, or four doses of different types of COVID-19 vaccine were recruited. Post-vaccine anti-S1 IgA responses significantly varied according to vaccine type and regimen. The finding showed that heterologous boosters, especially after priming with an inactivated vaccine, elicited higher IgA levels than homologous boosters. Vaccination with SV/SV/PF produced the highest IgA level among all the immunization regimens after either two, three, or four doses. The different routes and amounts of vaccine used for vaccination showed non-significant differences in IgA levels. After the third dose of immunization for 4 months, the level of IgA decreased significantly from the level found on day 28 in both SV/SV/AZ and SV/SV/PF groups. In conclusion, our study showed that heterologous booster regimens for COVID-19 elicited higher anti-S1 IgA levels in serum, especially after priming with inactivated vaccine. The presented anti-S1 IgA may have advantages in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe disease.

Real-World Study: Hybrid Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Influences the Antibody Levels and Persistency Lasting More than One Year.

This study investigated the impact of hybrid immunity on antibody responses in the participants who received two to seven doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The study was conducted between April and June 2023. Out of 771 serum samples analyzed, 71.7% exhibited hybrid immunity (positive for total anti-N Ig), while 28.3% showed vaccine-induced immunity (negative for total anti-N Ig). Participants were categorized based on the number of vaccine doses: 2, 3, 4, and ≥5. The findings highlight a trend where a higher number of vaccine doses received was associated with a lower infection rate. There was no significant difference in total RBD Ig levels between those who received 3, 4, or ≥5 doses in both the hybrid immunity and vaccination alone groups across all observed durations as follows: <6 months, 6 to <9 months, 9 to <12 months, and ≥12 months. Hybrid immunity consistently maintained higher total RBD Ig levels and durability compared to vaccination alone, with estimated half-lives (T1/2) of 189.5 days versus 106.8 days for vaccine alone. This investigation underscored the potential benefit of hybrid immunity and raised questions about the optimal strategies for further vaccine dosing.

Neutralizing antibodies against Omicron BA.5 among children with infection alone, vaccination alone, and hybrid immunity.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the binding antibody response and strength of neutralization against Omicron BA.5 in serum samples from children with different antigen exposures (infection/vaccination) and hybrid immunity. METHODS: This study recruited children aged 5-7 years. All samples were tested for anti-nucleocapsid immunoglobulin (Ig)G, anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG, and total anti-RBD Ig. Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against Omicron BA.5 were determined using a focus reduction neutralization test. RESULTS: A total of 196 serum samples from unvaccinated children with infection (n = 57), vaccination alone (n = 71), and hybrid immunity (n = 68). Our results showed that 90% of the samples from children with hybrid immunity, 62.2% from two-dose vaccination, and 48% from Omicron infection alone had detectable nAbs against Omicron BA.5. The highest neutralizing titer was observed in infection plus two-dose vaccination, which reached 6.3-fold increase, whereas nAb titers in two-dose vaccination was comparable to Omicron-infected sera. However, sera from pre-Omicron infection and single-dose vaccination failed to neutralize Omicron BA.5; although, the total anti-RBD Ig were comparable with Omicron-infected sera. CONCLUSION: This result highlights that hybrid immunity provided cross-reactive antibodies to neutralize Omicron BA.5 compared with either vaccination or infection alone. The finding emphasizes the importance of vaccination in unvaccinated children who are infected with pre-Omicron or Omicron variants.

The Fourth Dose of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Following 12 Different Three-Dose Regimens: Safety and Immunogenicity to Omicron BA.4/BA.5.

The aim of this study is to investigate the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the fourth dose using monovalent mRNA vaccines after different three-dose regimens and to compare the 30 µg BNT162b2 and 50 µg mRNA-1273 vaccines. This prospective cohort study was conducted between June and October 2022. The self-recorded reactogenicity was evaluated on the subsequent 7 days after a fourth dose. The binding and neutralizing activity of antibodies against the Omicron BA.4/5 variants were determined. Overall, 292 healthy adults were enrolled and received BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273. Reactogenicity was mild to moderate and well tolerated after a few days. Sixty-five individuals were excluded. Thus, 227 eligible individuals received a fourth booster dose of BNT162b2 (n = 109) and mRNA-1273 (n = 118). Most participants, regardless of the type of previous three-dose regimens, elicited a significantly high level of binding antibodies and neutralizing activity against Omicron BA.4/5 28 days after a fourth dose. The neutralizing activity against Omicron BA.4/5 between the BNT162b2 (82.8%) and mRNA-1273 (84.2%) groups was comparable with a median ratio of 1.02. This study found that the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines can be used as a fourth booster dose for individuals who were previously immunized with any prior three-dose mix-and-match COVID-19 vaccine regimens.

SARS-CoV-2 infection- induced seroprevalence among children and associated risk factors during the pre- and omicron-dominant wave, from January 2021 through December 2022, Thailand: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can be asymptomatic in young children. Therefore, the true rate of infection is likely underestimated. Few data are available on the rate of infections in young children, and studies on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among children during the omicron wave are limited. We assessed the SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced seroprevalence among children and estimated the associated risk factors for seropositivity. METHODS: A longitudinal serological survey was conducted from January 2021 through December 2022. The inclusion criteria were healthy children between 5 and 7 years old and their parents or legal guardians provided written informed consent. Samples were tested for anti-nucleocapsid (N) IgG and anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA), and total anti-RBD immunoglobulin (Ig) was detected using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). The vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection history were collected. RESULTS: In all, 457 serum samples were obtained from 241 annually followed-up children in this longitudinal serological survey. Of these, 201 participants provided samples at two serial time points-during the pre-omicron and omicron-dominant wave. Overall, seroprevalence induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection increased from 9.1% (22/241) during the pre-omicron to 48.8% (98/201) during the omicron wave. Amongst seropositive individuals, the infection-induced seropositivity was lower in vaccinated participants with two doses of BNT162b2 than in the unvaccinated participants (26.4% vs. 56%; OR, 0.28; 95%CI: 0.14-0.58). Nevertheless, the ratio of seropositive cases per recalled infection was 1.63 during the omicron dominant wave. The overall seroprevalence induced by infection, vaccination, and hybrid immunity was 77.1% (155/201) between January and December 2022. CONCLUSIONS: We report an increase in infection-induced seroprevalence among children during the omicron wave. These findings highlight that a seroprevalence survey can help determine the true rate of infection, particularly in asymptomatic infection, and optimize public health policies and vaccine strategies in the pediatric population.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Dynamics after COVID-19 Vaccination and Infection: A Real-World Cross-Sectional Analysis.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to surge despite the widespread use of vaccination. In Thailand, more than 77% and 39% of the population received two doses and three doses of COVID-19 vaccines as of December 2022, respectively. In addition, during the Omicron predominant period in 2022, more than 70% of Thai individuals have been infected. To gain comprehensive insight into SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics following vaccination or following vaccination and infection (hybrid immunity), we performed a cross-sectional analysis of sera samples from individuals who received COVID-19 vaccination and/or have been infected with COVID-19 in Thailand between January 2021 and December 2022. A total of 4126 samples were collected. Humoral immunity was evaluated by quantifying the immunoglobulin (including IgG, IgM, and IgA isotypes) specific to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) or Ig anti-RBD. The results showed that individuals who received two-dose vaccination alone had lower levels of Ig anti-RBD, which rapidly waned over time. To restore the waning antibody, a third dose vaccination is recommended for uninfected individuals who have only received 2 doses.

Safety and immunogenicity of a third dose of COVID-19 protein subunit vaccine (CovovaxTM) after homologous and heterologous two-dose regimens.

OBJECTIVES: To report the safety and immunogenicity profile of a protein subunit vaccine (CovovaxTM) given as a third (booster) dose to individuals primed with different primary vaccine regimens. METHODS: A third dose was administered to individuals with an interval range of 3-10 months after the second dose. The four groups were classified according to their primary vaccine regimens, including two-dose BBIBP-CorV, AZD1222, BNT162b2, and CoronaVac/AZD1222. Immunogenicity analysis was performed to determine binding antibodies, neutralizing activity, and the T-cell responses. RESULTS: Overall, 210 individuals were enrolled and boosted with the CovovaxTM vaccine. The reactogenicity was mild to moderate. Most participants elicited a high level of binding and neutralizing antibody against Wild-type and Omicron variants after the booster dose. In participants who were antinucleocapsid immunoglobulin G-negative from all groups, a booster dose could elicit neutralizing activity to Wild-type and Omicron variants by more than 95% and 70% inhibition at 28 days, respectively. The CovovaxTM vaccine could elicit a cell-mediated immune response. CONCLUSION: The protein subunit vaccine (CovovaxTM) can be proposed as a booster dose after two different priming dose regimens. It has strong immunogenicity and good safety profiles.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid total Ig, anti-RBD IgG antibodies, and infection in Thailand: a cross-sectional survey from October 2022 to January 2023.

Seroprevalence studies on SARS-CoV-2 are essential for estimating actual prevalence rates of infection and vaccination in communities. This study evaluated infection rates based on total anti-nucleocapsid immunoglobulin (N) and/or infection history. We determined the seroprevalence of anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies across age groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Chonburi province, Thailand, between October 2022 and January 2023. Participants included newborns to adults aged up to 80 years. All serum samples were tested for anti-N total Ig and anti-RBD IgG. The interviewer-administered questionnaires queried information on infection history and vaccination records. Of 1459 participants enrolled from the Chonburi population, ~ 72.4% were infected. The number of infections was higher in children aged < 5 years, with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection decreasing significantly with increasing age. There were no significant differences based on sex or occupation. Overall, ~ 97.4% of participants had an immune response against SARS-CoV-2. The anti-RBD IgG seroprevalence rate was lower in younger vaccinated individuals and was slightly increased to 100% seropositivity at ages > 60 years. Our findings will help predict the exact number of infections and the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the Thai population. Furthermore, this information is essential for public health decision-making and the development of vaccination strategies.