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Initial COVID-19 Vaccination is Highly Immunogenic and Safe: A Stop the Spread Ottawa Cohort Analysis
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  • Alexa Keeshan,
  • Yannick Galipeau,
  • Aliisa Heiskanen,
  • Erin Collins,
  • Corey Arnold,
  • Raphael Saginur,
  • Ronald Booth,
  • Julian Little,
  • Michaeline Mcguinty,
  • Arianne Buchan,
  • Angela Crawley,
  • Marc-André Langlois,
  • Curtis Cooper
Alexa Keeshan
University of Ottawa School of Epidemiology and Public Health
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Yannick Galipeau
University of Ottawa
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Aliisa Heiskanen
University of Ottawa School of Epidemiology and Public Health
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Erin Collins
University of Ottawa School of Epidemiology and Public Health
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Corey Arnold
University of Ottawa Department of Biochemistry Microbiology and Immunology
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Raphael Saginur
University of Ottawa
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Ronald Booth
University of Ottawa
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Julian Little
University of Ottawa
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Michaeline Mcguinty
University of Ottawa
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Arianne Buchan
University of Ottawa
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Angela Crawley
University of Ottawa Department of Biochemistry Microbiology and Immunology
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Marc-André Langlois
University of Ottawa
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Curtis Cooper
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Corresponding Author:ccooper@ottawahospital.on.ca

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity and the influence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection require elucidation. METHODS: Stop the Spread Ottawa is a prospective cohort of individuals at-risk for or who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, initially enrolled for 10 months beginning October 2020. This analysis focuses on safety and immunogenicity of the initial two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: Post-vaccination data with blood specimens were available for 930 participants. 22.8% were SARS-CoV2 infected prior to first vaccine dose. Cohort characteristics include: median age 44 (22, 56), 66.6% female, 89.0% white, 83.2% employed. 38.1% reported two or more comorbidities and 30.8% reported immune compromising condition(s). Over 95% possessed IgG spike and RBD titres 3 months post second vaccine dose. By multivariable analysis, increasing age and high-level immune compromise predicted diminishing IgG spike and RBD titres at month 3 post second dose. IgG spike and RBD titres were higher immediately post vaccination in those with SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to first vaccination and spike titres were higher at 6 months in those with wider time intervals between dose 1 and 2. IgG spike and RBD titres and neutralization were generally similar by sex, weight and whether receiving homogeneous or heterogeneous combinations of vaccines. Common post dose 1 vaccine symptoms included fatigue (64.7%), injection site pain (47.5%), headache (27.2%), fever/chills (26.2%), body aches (25.3%). These symptoms are similar with subsequent doses. CONCLUSION: The initial two COVID-19 vaccine doses are safe, well-tolerated and highly immunogenic across a broad spectrum of vaccine recipients.