Genomic characteristics, disease outcome and heterologous vaccine effectiveness among cases with SARS CoV-2 infection

In the pursuit of global health security, continuous monitoring of vaccine effectiveness across various viral strains emerges as a crucial imperative. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 major variants of concern (VOCs), including Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron, has added complexity to the COVID-19 vaccination landscape.

To assess illness severity, evaluate vaccine efficacy across varying doses and types, and determine effectiveness against major VOCs within the population.

This retrospective cohort study, conducted in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, focuses on a cohort of 44,073 SARS-CoV-2 positive cases from February 2021 to May 2022, dominated by the Delta and Omicron variants. The study employed a nested case-control design, analyzing hospital admissions for confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Vaccine effectiveness was higher among heterologus-boosted individuals at 87% (95% CI:79%-93%) compared to homologus-boosted individuals at 59% (95% CI: 48%-68%) and fully vaccinated, non-boosted adults at 53% (95% CI: 46%-59%). These findings highlight the importance of heterologous boosting, particularly against rapidly evolving viral variants, offering valuable insights for refining pandemic response strategies.

The study underscores the critical need for ongoing assessment and adaptation of vaccination strategies to the evolving viral landscape.