Nature Communications (Nov 2024)

Effectiveness of BNT162b2 XBB vaccine in the US Veterans Affairs Healthcare System

  • Aisling R. Caffrey,
  • Haley J. Appaneal,
  • Vrishali V. Lopes,
  • Laura Puzniak,
  • Evan J. Zasowski,
  • Luis Jodar,
  • Kerry L. LaPlante,
  • John M. McLaughlin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53842-w
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Data evaluating effectiveness of XBB.1.5-adapted vaccines against JN.1-related endpoints are scarce. This nationwide test-negative case-control study within the US Veterans Affairs Healthcare System aims to estimate vaccine effectiveness (VE) of BNT162b2 XBB.1.5-adapted vaccine compared to not receiving an XBB vaccine of any kind against COVID-19 hospitalization, emergency department or urgent care visits (ED/UC), and outpatient visits. Between September 25, 2023 and January 31, 2024, effectiveness was 24–35% during a period of JN.1 predominance and 50–61% during XBB predominance across all outcomes. VE within 60 days of vaccination during the likely JN.1 period was 32% (95% confidence interval 3–52%) against hospitalization, 41% (23–54%) against ED/UC visits, and 31% (1–52%) against outpatient visits. Corresponding VE during the likely XBB period was 62% (44–74%), 52% (37–63%), and 50% (25–66%) by setting, respectively. Here, we show the importance of strain match to maximize the public health impact of COVID-19 vaccination.