Evaluation of the SARS-COV-2 Antibody Levels in Pharmacists and Pharmacy Workers Following CoronaVac Vaccination

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the seropositivity rate following 2-doses of the CoronaVac-SinoVac vaccine administered to pharmacists and pharmacy workers and to assess the changes in antibody levels according to sociodemographic characteristics.
METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted between 04 June 2021 and 30 September 2021 in the pharmacies located in Istanbul, Turkey. The results of self-initiated IgG testing of the pharmacists and pharmacy workers at diagnostic laboratories contracted by the Istanbul Chamber of Pharmacists were obtained by an online data collection tool. IgG measurements at least 15 days and, at the latest 120 days after two vaccine doses were included in the study. Participants were asked about smoking, their chronic diseases (Hypertension, COPD, asthma, diabetes etc.), and their medications. Subgroup analyzes were performed for each method used to measure antibody levels.


RESULTS: The study included a total of 329 pharmacists/pharmacy workers. (298 pharmacists and 31 pharmacy workers) The mean age of the participants was 49.7±13.7 years, and 71.4% were female. The antibody positivity of 329 participants was 94.8% following two doses. The rate of positivity was 95.4% in participants aged 65 years and below, while it was 91.8% in those above 65 years of age. There was no significant difference in mean age between those with positive and negative antibody results (p>0.05). Antibody levels were found to be lower in people aged 65 and over, smokers and chronic medication users; however, the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05).


DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Seropositivity developed following two doses of CoronaVac- Sinovac vaccines. IgG antibody levels were lower in the elderly, smokers or those with chronic diseases, although this was not statistically significant. Further studies are needed to understand better the reasons for different immunologic responses to COVID-19 and other vaccines.