Prevalence and Predictors of COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections Among Vaccinated Health Care Providers and Medical Students at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Nagpur, Central India

Abstract

Context: As per the national policy, two doses of COVID-19 vaccine at least four weeks apart were available for administration to all HCW’s since January 2021. A small proportion of individuals will contract COVID-19 despite complete vaccination. Healthcare workers (Health Care Providers) represent a very high-risk group for contracting COVID-19 infection. Aim: To determine the breakthrough infection rate of COVID-19 among vaccinated healthcare providers and students. Methodology: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur from August to December 2022. The sample size of 308 was achieved through proportionate stratified sampling among different cadres of employees working at the institute. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was used for significance. Fischer’s Exact test was used wherever necessary. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Strength of the association was estimated using odds ratio. Results: The mean (SD) age of participants in our study was 29.26 (±8.64) years. Prevalence of COVID breakthrough infection was found to be 28.25% [95% CI: 23–33]. It was found that those participants having one or more co-morbidities and are directly involved in COVID patient care were likely to suffer more from COVID-19 breakthrough infection. Conclusion: Predictors of COVID-19 breakthrough infection found to be a presence of one or more co-morbidities, direct involvement with COVID-19 patients and not observing respiratory hygiene. There is increased risk among participants with comorbidities and involving directly in patient care. Therefore, it is recommended that vaccine policy needs to focus on high-risk group.

Keywords

• breakthrough infection
• co-morbidity
• covid-19
• health care providers
• predictors
• vaccine