Efficacy of Sinopharm® COVID-19 Vaccine in Hemodialysis Patients: A Preliminary Report

SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported to have a greater mortality rate in adults receiving dialysis, as compared to general population. Hence, vaccination is very important in this vulnerable population group, in order to achieve an acceptable level of immunity. The aim of this study was to compare the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike protein receptor-binding domain IgG neutralizing antibody before and after vaccination with two doses of Sinopharm® vaccine, in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Ninety patients on maintenance in-center hemodialysis received two doses of Sinopharm® COVID-19 vaccine with an interval of about 28 days. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike protein receptor-binding domain IgG (Anti-RBD) neutralizing antibody was measured with an ELISA kit. All statistical analyses were performed by SPSS-26 software.

The absolute mean (± SE) change in antibody titer following full-scheduled vaccination was 8.98 ± 1.49 μg/mL. The rate of seroconversion was 31.1% after two doses of vaccine. In addition, the rate of seroconversion was higher in those with a history of COVID-19 than in those without a history of COVID-19.

Conclusion. The administration of booster doses, doubling of the dose in each episode of vaccination schedule as well as combination of different vaccine platforms are recommended to increase COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in hemodialysis patients.