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Revealing COVID-19 breakthrough infection rates among vaccinated individuals at a tertiary care centre in South India

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute (MGMCRI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry, Puducherry, India.
  • 2Department of Microbiology, Vinayaka Mission's Medical College and Hospital, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Karaikal, Puducherry, India.
  • 3Department of Virology, Scientist F, Advanced Institute of Virology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
  • 4Department of Deanery Research, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry, Puducherry, India.
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May 8, 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic was mitigated by the rapid development and deployment of vaccines. While vaccines reduce infection severity, breakthrough infections (BTIs) still occur. The CDC defines BTI as a positive SARS-CoV-2 test ≥14 days post-vaccination. This study investigates the occurrence of COVID-19 BTIs at a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, South India.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study analysed hospital tested qRT-PCR data of individuals from the ICMR portal (March 2021-March 2022). Demographic and vaccination details were extracted.

Results

Among 8001 tested individuals, 1452 were vaccinated. The BTI rate decreased from 16.6% to 1.2% after the first dose and from 58% to 40% after the second one. Odds ratio indicated a 74% reduction in infection risk for vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated. Males had higher infection rates than females, regardless of vaccination status.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a higher BTI rate after one vaccine dose compared to two doses. The BTI rate also increased four months post-vaccination, even with two doses, potentially due to waning immunity and the emergence of new variants. Therefore, continued adherence to preventive measures in conjunction with vaccination is crucial for minimizing COVID-19 transmission.

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