Safety and immunogenicity of homologous prime‐boost CoronaVac vaccine in people living with HIV in China: A multicenter prospective cohort study

Abstract People living with HIV (PLWH) are particularly vulnerable to SARS‐CoV‐2. This multicentre prospective cohort study evaluated the long‐term immunogenicity and safety of a third homologous dose of Sinovac CoronaVac in PLWH in China. A total of 228 PLWH and 127 HIV‐negative controls were finally included and followed up for 6 months. Fewer participants reported mild or moderate adverse reactions, and no serious adverse events were observed. The median levels of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and immunoglobulin G against the receptor‐binding domain of the spike protein (S‐IgG) in PLWH (655.92 IU/mL, IQR: 175.76–1663.55; 206.83 IU/mL, IQR: 85.20–397.82) were comparable to those in control group (1067.16 IU/mL, IQR: 239.85–1670.83; 261.70 IU/mL, IQR: 77.13–400.75), and reached their peak at 4 weeks, exhibiting a delayed peak pattern compared to the 2‐week peak in control group. After then, the immune titres gradually decreased over time, but most participants still maintained positive seroconversion at the 6‐month mark. Multivariable generalized estimating equation analysis indicated that CD4+T cell count, HIV viral load, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) were independent factors strongly associated with immune response (each p < 0.05). We suggested that PLWH should maintain well‐controlled HIV status through ART and receive timely administration of the second booster dose for optimal protection.