The prevalence of breakthrough infection among healthcare workers post-coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in Jazan Region: A retrospective study

Background: It has been reported that vaccination with several vaccines has been associated with significant infections after immunization, despite being one of the most effective strategies against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of postvaccination breakthrough infection, manifestations, and disease severity. Setting and Design: This study examines the incidence of breakthrough infection after COVID-19 vaccination among medical staff at Al-Hayat Hospital in the Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia. Participants must have received at least two doses of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines. Materials and Methods: From March to December 2022, medical records of healthcare workers (HCWs) who tested positive for COVID-19 after vaccination were obtained. According to predefined criteria, records were reviewed, and symptoms and polymerase chain reaction tests were used to confirm infections. Statistical Analysis: The data were entered and analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0. A statistically significant P value was defined as < 0.05. Results: 98.4% of 444 HCWs received the AstraZeneca vaccine, while 1.6% received Pfizer. An average age of 33.8 years was found, with 64.6% of women and 38.5% of nurses. Twelve percent had previously contracted COVID-19. Physicians and medical records professionals (25.6% each) and nurses (20.6%) were most likely to contract COVID-19 after vaccination. Thirty-nine participants (2.6%) were infected and only one required brief hospitalization. Conclusions: Despite breakthrough infections, the study shows that vaccines effectively reduce severe outcomes. Risk stratification of COVID-19 breakthrough infections requires future research that accounts for co-occurring infections and virus variations.