International Journal of Public Health (Sep 2023)

Socioeconomic Differences in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination in Germany: A Seroepidemiological Study After One Year of COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign

  • Susanne Bartig,
  • Florian Beese,
  • Benjamin Wachtler,
  • Markus M. Grabka,
  • Elisabetta Mercuri,
  • Lorenz Schmid,
  • Nora Katharina Schmid-Küpke,
  • Madlen Schranz,
  • Laura Goßner,
  • Wenke Niehues,
  • Sabine Zinn,
  • Christina Poethko-Müller,
  • Lars Schaade,
  • Claudia Hövener,
  • Antje Gößwald,
  • Jens Hoebel

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2023.1606152
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 68

Abstract

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Objective: To evaluate the socioeconomic patterns of SARS-CoV-2 antigen contacts through infection, vaccination or both (“hybrid immunity”) after 1 year of vaccination campaign.Methods: Data were derived from the German seroepidemiological Corona Monitoring Nationwide study (RKI-SOEP-2; n = 10,448; November 2021–February 2022). Combining serological and self-report data, we estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccination, basic immunization (at least two SARS-CoV-2 antigen contacts through vaccination and/or infection), and three antigen contacts by education and income.Results: Low-education groups had 1.35-times (95% CI 1.01–1.82) the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to high-education groups. COVID-19 vaccination (at least one dose) and basic immunization decreased with lower education and income. Low-education and low-income groups were less likely to have had at least three antigen contacts (PR low vs. high education: 0.74, 95% CI 0.65–0.84; PR low vs. high income: 0.66, 95% CI 0.57–0.77).Conclusion: The results suggest a lower level of protection against severe COVID-19 for individuals from low and medium socioeconomic groups. Pandemic response and vaccination campaigns should address the specific needs and barriers of these groups.

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