JOEM: Factors associated with COVID-19 breakthrough infections (August 2022)-JOEM: Factors associated with COVID-19 breakthrough infections (August 2022)

JOEM: Factors associated with COVID-19 breakthrough infections (August 2022)

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A study conducted in a large Midwestern healthcare system aimed to identify factors associated with breakthrough infections of COVID-19 among healthcare personnel (HCP). The study collected SARS-CoV-2 positive test results from electronic medical records of HCP between March 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021. The results showed that HCP who were younger than 35 years, received the Pfizer vaccine, and worked in COVID clinical units had a higher risk of breakthrough infection. Interestingly, HCP who had COVID before full vaccination had a reduced risk of breakthrough infection, indicating that prior infection may provide supplemental immunity. The study concluded that younger HCP working in COVID-19 clinical units and those who received the Pfizer vaccine are the most vulnerable to breakthrough infection. The findings suggest that supplemental immunity, through booster vaccinations or previous infection, may better protect at-risk HCP groups. These results have important implications for prioritizing funding, guiding policies and practices, and protecting vulnerable healthcare personnel.

Keywords

COVID-19

breakthrough infections

healthcare personnel

SARS-CoV-2

vaccine

Pfizer

COVID clinical units

prior infection

supplemental immunity

vulnerable healthcare personnel