COVID-19 impact and vaccine effectiveness among healthcare workers of a large University Hospital in Lombardy,Italy

Background:Healthcare Workers (HCWs) are a key element in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are also at high risk of infection.Objective:The aim of this study was to describe, in a large university hospital which provided healthcare services to patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the course of the epidemic among HCWs and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease.Methods:Our case series included all “Fatebenefratelli Sacco” University Hospital workers. Data were collected until the 15th of May 2021 and analysed as part of the health surveillance program carried out by the Occupational Health Unit.Results:From March 2020 until May 2021, 14.4% of workers contracted COVID-19, with the highest incidence peak recorded during the second wave of the pandemic. The prevalence of infection was slightly higher in males than in females, and a greater number of cases was found in job categories characterized by direct patient care activities. We reported a higher prevalence of “serious/critical illness” in elder workers. A clear reduction of COVID-19 incidence was found in our population during the third pandemic wave, that coincided with the start of vaccination campaign.Discussion:HCWs have been at high risk of COVID-19 infection. Male sex and advanced age appear to be predisposing factor and negative prognostic factor respectively. An out-of-hospital setting appears to be the main source of COVID-19 confirming that the correct use of protective devices during work counters the risk of infection. Vaccination seems to reduce both documented cases of infection and severe illness.     

Effectiveness of BNT162b2 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers

Background:The present study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of BNT162b2 among HCWs of a university hospital while a recrudescence of pandemics was hitting the province, with a high rate of the B.1.1.7 variant.Methods:The study was performed in the context of health surveillance at the workplaces. We monitored the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 symptoms among HCWs classified by having received the entire vaccine schedule or not; the latter further classified in not vaccinated workers and workers who had received the first shot more than 14 days earlier. The SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed by conventional RT-PCR on rhino-pharyngeal swabs, followed by gene sequencing in positive vaccinated HCWs. The cumulative incidence of infections in the period was normalised to 100,000 people.Results:At the end of the observation period, HCWs that had completed the full schedule were at lower infection risk than both unvaccinated HCWs and the workforce who had not yet gained the complete theoretical protection from the vaccine (by 2.4-folds). Overall, ninety-two SARS-CoV-2 infections were observed among HCWs, mostly among not protected workers (52 cases) but none of them showed symptoms requiring hospitalisation.Conclusions:The vaccination campaign effectively reduced the appearance of symptoms and the incidence of infections among vaccinated HCWs. Among vaccinated HCWs, gene sequencing was possible in five cases only, 4 B.1.1.7 and 1 B1.525 variants. The high rate of unsuccessful gene sequencing observed among infected vaccinated workers could be explained by a low viral burden. Vaccination for COVID-19 should be mandatory in occupational settings with a high infective risk.     

一起医院同事混合家庭成员感染新冠肺炎事件的调查

 目的 分析某医院新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）医护人员病例及家庭关联病例的流行病学特征,为制定防控策略提供参考。方法 采用描述流行病学方法,分析该医院的4起聚集性疫情病例的三间分布、临床特点、接触史等。结果 该医院共有14例医务人员病例,并关联11例家庭成员病例。所有病例年龄的中位数为38（23~76）岁,病例男女性别比为0.79：1。所有病例的最短潜伏期中位数为4（0~9）d,最长潜伏期中位数为7（3~14）d。所有病例发病至就诊间隔日数为2（0~9）d,其中医护人员病例为1.5（0~8）d,家庭病例为3（1~9）d。4起COVID-19聚集性疫情的首例病例均与武汉相关。结论 该事件由4起COVID-19聚集性疫情组成,其中3起为家庭成员传播,1起为医院同事混合家庭成员传播。     

Effect of the 2020/21 season influenza vaccine on SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of Italian healthcare workers

ObjectivesHealthcare workers (HCWs) are a priority group for seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). The 2020/21 SIV campaign was conducted during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines, including SIV, may exert non-specific protective effects on other infectious diseases which may be ascribable to the concept of trained immunity. The aim of this study was to explore the association between 2020/21 SIV and SARS-CoV-2 positivity in a cohort of Italian HCWs.MethodsIn this observational study, a cohort of HCWs employed by a large (ca 5000 employees) referral tertiary acute-care university hospital was followed up retrospectively until the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The independent variable of interest was the 2020/21 SIV uptake. Both egg-based and cell culture-derived quadrivalent SIVs were available. The study outcome was the incidence of new SARS-CoV-2 infections, as determined by RT-PCR. Multivariable Cox regression was applied in order to discern the association of interest.ResultsThe final cohort consisted of 2561 HCWs who underwent ≥1 RT-PCR test and accounted for a total of 94,445 person-days of observation. SIV uptake was 35.6%. During the study period, a total of 290 new SARS-CoV-2 infections occurred. The incidence of new SARS-CoV-2 was 1.62 (95% CI: 1.22–2.10) and 3.91 (95% CI: 3.43–4.45) per 1000 person-days in vaccinated and non-vaccinated HCWs, respectively, with an adjusted non-proportional hazard ratio of 0.37 (95% CI: 0.22–0.62). E-values suggested that unmeasured confounding was unlikely to explain the association.ConclusionsA lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed among SIV recipients.     

Attitudes towards influenza vaccine and a potential COVID-19 vaccine in Italy and differences across occupational groups,September 2020

Objectives:We aimed at describing the attitudes towards influenza vaccination and a potential COVID-19 vaccine in Italy.Methods:A nationally representative survey based on 1055 Italians aged 15-85 years was conducted in September 16-28, 2020.Results:We found that 40.8% of the population reported the intention to be vaccinated against influenza next winter and 53.7% would accept to receive a potential COVID-19 vaccine. The percentages were higher among individuals aged 55 and over (58.8% for influenza vaccine and 58.2% for a potential COVID-19 vaccine) and among professionals, managers and teachers as compared to manual workers and farmers (36.1% vs. 27.6% for influenza vaccine and 51.6% vs. 44.8% for a potential COVID-19 vaccine).Discussion:These data confirm a certain degree of vaccine mistrust in Italy, especially among less qualified workers.Key words: Attitude, vaccination, influenza, COVID-19, survey, occupation     

医务人员感染新冠肺炎现状、危险因素与关键防护措施

 截至2021年7月20日,全球新型冠状病毒肺炎（简称新冠肺炎）累计确诊病例数已超1.9亿,并且全球确诊病例和死亡病例仍在以惊人的速度增长。据流行病学调查结果显示,其可能的传播途径包括飞沫传播、密切接触传播以及密闭环境下的气溶胶传播。医务人员作为新冠肺炎患者的密切接触者,是新型冠状病毒（简称新冠病毒）感染的高危人群。目前在多个国家出现了新的病毒变异株,了解医务人员新冠病毒感染的现况,分析医务人员新冠病毒感染的潜在危险因素,预防医务人员感染,是保持医疗救治持久力,有效防控疫情的关键环节。为此就医务人员新冠病毒感染现状、危险因素及相关防护措施进行系统描述,为保障医务人员职业安全提供参考。     

Delay between COVID-19 complete vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers

ObjectivesHealthcare workers (HCWs), at increased risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were among the primary targets for vaccination, which became mandatory for them on September 15th, 2021 in France. In November they were confronted to the fifth COVID-19 wave despite excellent vaccine coverage. We aimed to estimate the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection after complete vaccination among HCWs with different vaccination schemes, and its determinants.MethodsWe enrolled all HCWs in the university hospital of Rennes, France who had received complete vaccination (two doses of COVID-19 vaccine). The delay from last vaccination dose to SARS-CoV-2 infection was computed. Fitted mixed Cox survival model with a random effect applied to exposure risk periods to account for epidemic variation was used to estimate the determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection after complete vaccination.ResultsOf the 6674 (82%) HCWs who received complete vaccination (36% BNT162b2, 29% mRNA-1273, and 34% mixed with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) and were prospectively followed-up for a median of 7.0 [6.3–8.0] months, 160 (2.4%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Incidence density of SARS-CoV-2 infection after complete vaccination was 3.39 [2.89–3.96] infections per 1000 person-month. Median time from vaccine completion to SARS-CoV-2 infection was 5.5 [3.2–6.6] months. Using fitted mixed Cox regression with the delay as a time-dependent variable and random effect applied to exposure risk periods, age (P < 0.001) was independently associated with the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaccine schemes were not associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (P = 0.068). A period effect was significantly associated with the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn this real-world study, incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection increases with time in fully vaccinated HCWs with no differences according to the vaccination scheme. The short delay between complete vaccination and incident SARS-CoV-2 infection highlights the need for sustained barrier measures even in fully vaccinated HCWs.     

Change in COVID19 outbreak pattern following vaccination in long-term care facilities in Flanders,Belgium

IntroductionLong term care facilities for elderly (LTCFs) in Europe encountered a high disease burden at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, these facilities were the first to receive COVID-19 vaccines in many European countries. A limited COVID-19 vaccine supply early 2021 resulted in a majority of residents and healthcare workers (HCWs) in LTCFs being vaccinated compared to a minority in the general population. This study exploits this imbalance to assess the efficiency of COVID-19 vaccination in containing outbreaks in LTCFs.MethodsExploratory statistics were performed using data from a COVID-19 surveillance system covering all 842 LTCFs in Flanders (the northern region of Belgium). The number and size of COVID-19 outbreaks in LTCFs were compared (1) before and after introducing vaccines and (2) with the status of the pandemic in the general population. Based on individual data from 15 LTCFs, the infection rate and symptoms of vaccinated and unvaccinated residents and HCWs were compared during a COVID-19 outbreak.Results95.8% of the residents and 90.9% of the HCWs in Flemish LTCFs were vaccinated before May 30, 2021. Before vaccine introduction, residents in LTCFs were 10 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 than the general population of Flanders. This ratio reversed after vaccination. Furthermore, after vaccination fewer and shorter outbreaks were observed involving fewer residents. During these outbreaks, vaccinated and unvaccinated residents were equally likely to test positive, but positive vaccinated residents were less likely to develop severe symptoms. In contrast, unvaccinated HCWs were more likely to test positive.ConclusionIn the first half of 2021, two-dose vaccination was highly efficient in preventing and containing outbreaks in LTCFs, reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths. The high likelihood of unvaccinated HCWs to be involved in COVID-19 outbreaks in vaccinated LTCFs emphasizes the importance of vaccinating HCWs.     

Serological response after SARS-CoV2 vaccination in healthcare workers: a multicenter study

Introduction:Characterizing immunological response following COVID-19 vaccination is an important public health issue. The objectives of the present analysis were to investigate the proportion, level and the determinants of humoral response from 21 days to three months after the first dose in vaccinated healthcare workers (HCWs).Methods:We abstracted data on level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike antibodies (IgG) and sociodemographic characteristics of 17,257 HCWs from public hospitals and public health authorities from three centers in Northern Italy who underwent COVID-19 vaccination (average 70.6 days after first dose). We fitted center-specific multivariate regression models and combined them using random-effects meta-analyses.Results:A humoral response was elicited in 99.3% of vaccinated HCW. Female sex, young age, and previous COVID-19 infection were predictors of post-vaccination antibody level, and a positive association was also detected with pre-vaccination serology level and with time between pre- and post-vaccination testing, while a decline of antibody level was suggested with time since vaccination.Conclusions:These results stress the importance of analyzing retrospective data collected via occupational health surveillance of HCWs during the COVID-19 epidemic and following vaccination. They need to be confirmed in larger series based on prospectively collected data.     

Burnout syndrome and its determinants among healthcare workers during the first wave of the Covid-19 outbreak in Italy: a cross-sectional study to identify sex-related differences

Introduction: Several studies described burnout levels of healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, sex-related differences remain poorly investigated. Objective: To describe sex-related differences in burnout and its determinants among HCWs during the first pandemic wave of the COVID-19 in Italy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed between April and May 2020. The framework given by the Job Demands Resources (JD-R) model was used to assess burnout determinants (risk and protective factors). Results: Male HCWs (n=133) had higher levels of depersonalization than female HCWs (P=0,017) and female HCWs (n=399) reported greater emotional exhaustion rates (P=0,005). Female nurses were the most exposed to burnout (OR=2,47; 95%CI=1,33-4,60; P=0,004), emotional exhaustion (OR=1,89; 95% CI=1,03-3,48; P=0,041), and depersonalization (OR=1,91; 95% CI=1,03-3,53; P=0,039). Determinants of burnout differed between sexes, and some paradoxical associations were detected: the score of job demands was a protective factor in females for burnout, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization, resilience was a risk factor for males. Conclusions: This study reveals that the stressors in male and female HCWs tended to be associated with burnout differently. Both sexes showed alarming burnout levels, even if the weights of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization acted in different ways between the sexes. The revealed paradoxical effects in this study could reflect the study’s cross-sectional nature, highlighting that more resilient and empathic individuals were more consciously overwhelmed by the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, thus reporting higher scores of emotional exhaustion and burnout. Future in-depth and longitudinal analyses are recommended to further explore sex-related differences in burnout among HCWs.     

Side effects among healthcare workers from a large Milan university hospital after second dose of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

Background:In Italy, healthcare workers (HCWs) were among the first to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Aim of the present study is to evaluate frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) following the second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine among HCWs of a large university hospital in Milan, Italy.Methods:One month after having received the second dose of vaccine, HCWs filled-in a form about type, severity, and duration of post-vaccination local and systemic symptoms. We calculated the overall frequency of AEs and used multivariable Poisson regression models (adjusted for sex, age, BMI, smoking, allergy history, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, anti-hypertensive therapy, and occupation) to calculate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of AEs according to selected variables.Results:We included 3659 HCWs. Overall, 2801 (76.6%) experienced at least one local event, with pain at injection site being the most frequent (2788, 76.2%). Systemic events were reported by 2080 (56.8%) HCWs, with fatigue (52.3%), muscle pain (42.2%), headache (37.7%), joint pain (31.9%), and fever (26.2%) being the most frequent. Risks of systemic events were associated with female gender (RR=1.14, CI: 1.06-1.24), age (strong decrease with increasing age, p-trend<0.001), allergy history (RR=1.13, CI: 1.05-1.20), SARS-CoV-2 infection more than 180 days before second dose (RR=1.16, CI:1.01-1.32), and current smoking (RR=0.90, CI: 0.84-0.97).Conclusions:Both local and systemic acute effects after second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine were frequently reported. However, symptoms were mostly light/mild and of short duration. Thus, our findings support the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in adults in relatively good health.     

新冠肺炎救治相关医务人员职业暴露监测

目的 了解湖南省新冠肺炎各定点救治医疗机构医务人员职业暴露情况。方法 依据湖南省卫生健康委员会发布的文件,全省365所医疗机构每周二、五上报其发热门诊及隔离病房医务人员职业暴露情况,由湖南省医院感染管理质量控制中心收集数据,分析新冠肺炎救治相关医务人员职业暴露发生情况。结果 2020年1月27日-3月3日全省共上报29例新冠肺炎救治相关医务人员职业暴露,男性5例（17.24%）,女性24例（82.76%）;平均年龄（32.39±6.95）岁;主要为护士22例、医生4例,其中24例医护人员为发热门诊和隔离病房的支援人员。主要暴露地点为新冠肺炎隔离病房（26例）。高风险暴露12例（41.38%）,中风险暴露14例（48.28%）,低风险暴露3例（10.34%）;暴露类型以锐器伤为主（18例,62.07%）;操作环节以采静脉血（5例,17.24%）、采动脉血气分析（4例,13.79%）最常见;暴露部位主要为手或手指（18例,62.07%）;发生新冠肺炎救治相关职业暴露的医务人员中,27例暴露时为二级防护（93.10%）。19例职业暴露源为患者,其中7例为新冠肺炎确诊患者。29例职业暴露医务人员均及时上报其医院感染控制科或保健科等部门,截至3月17日,均已超过14 d隔离观察期,有1例职业暴露医务人员感染新冠肺炎。结论 新冠肺炎疫情期间,医务人员个人防护意识大幅提升,但新的职业暴露风险环节可发生暴露后感染,提高医务人员二级防护下的操作水平,提供高质量防护用品,遵守操作规程等可有效减少职业暴露的发生。     

The effect of immunization with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac) and/or SARS-CoV-2 infection on antibody levels,plasmablasts, long-lived-plasma-cells,and IFN-γ release by natural killer cells

ObjectivesWe evaluated the antibody response, natural killer cell response and B cell phenotypes in healthcare workers (HCW) who are vaccinated with two doses of CoronaVac with or without documented SARS-CoV-2 infection and unvaccinated HCWs with SARS-CoV-2 infection.MethodsHCWs were divided into four groups: vaccine only (VO), vaccine after SARS-CoV-2 infection (VAI), SARS-CoV-2 infection only (IO), and SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccine (IAV). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (Anti-S) antibodies were measured by Elecsys Anti–SARS–CoV–2 S ELISA kit. Memory B cells (CD19⁺CD27⁺), plasmablast B cells (CD19⁺CD138⁺) and long-lived plasma cells (LLPC; CD138⁺CD19^-) were measured by flow cytometry in 74 patients. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release by natural killer (NK) cells were measured by NKVue Test (NKMAX, Republic of Korea) in 76 patients. RT-PCR was performed with Bio-speedy® COVID-19 qPCR detection kit, Version 2 (Bioexen LTD, Istanbul, Turkey).ResultsThe Anti-S antibodies were detectable in all HCWs (n: 224). The median Anti-S titers (BAU/mL) was significantly higher in VAI (620 25–75% 373–1341) compared to VO (136, 25–75% 85–283) and IO (111, 25–75% 54–413, p < 0.01). VAI group had significantly lower percentage of plasmablasts (2.9; 0–8.7) compared to VO (6.8; 3.5–12.0) and IO (9.9; 4.7–47.5, p < 0.01) (n:74). Percentage of LLPCs in groups VO, VAI and IO was similar. There was no difference of IFN-γ levels between the study groups (n: 76).ConclusionThe antibody response was similar between uninfected vaccinated HCWs and unvaccinated HCWs who had natural infection. HCWs who had two doses of CoronaVac either before or after the natural SARS-CoV-2 infection elicited significantly higher antibody responses compared to uninfected vaccinated HCWs. The lower percentages of plasmablasts in the VAI group may indicate their migration to lymph nodes and initiation of the germinal center reaction phase. IFN-γ response did not differ among the groups.     

COVID-19 incidence in a cohort of public transport workers

Background:Previous research has shown an excess risk of COVID-19 among several occupations, but data on public transport workers are scarce. To investigate the occupational risk posed by contact with the public, we followed up the incidence of COVID-19 in a cohort of public transport workers.Methods:We identified the incident cases of COVID-19 between 1 September 2020 - 6 May 2021 in a cohort of 2,052 employees of a public transport agency in Sardinia, Italy. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on a positive molecular test. To calculate the expected events, we applied the age- and gender-specific incidence rates in the regional population at the same time frame to the correspondent strata of the study cohort. We estimated the age- and gender-adjusted relative risk (RR) of COVID-19 as the ratio between the observed and the expected events and its 95% confidence interval (95% C.I.) among the total cohort and in two sub-cohorts: bus drivers and the rest of the personnel (administrative staff, train and metro drivers, workers in the mechanical shop, and in the railroad maintenance, and security).Results:Bus drivers run an elevated risk of COVID-19 (RR = 1.4, 95% C.I. 1.07 - 1.79). There was no excess risk among the rest of the personnel.Conclusions:Our study suggests an excess risk of COVID-19 among bus drivers even in a relatively low incidence area, which could imply inadequacy of the preventive measures put in place. Additional studies of larger size with detailed information on personal and lifestyle characteristics are warranted.     

Covid-19 infection and diffusion among the healthcare workforce in a large university-hospital in northwest Italy

Backgroud:Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, healthcare workers (HCWs) have been the workers most likely to contract the disease. Intensive focus is therefore needed on hospital strategies that minimize exposure and diffusion, confer protection and facilitate early detection and isolation of infected personnel.Methods:To evaluate the early impact of a structured risk-management for exposed COVID-19 HCWs and describe how their characteristics contributed to infection and diffusion. Socio-demographic and clinical data, aspects of the event-exposure (date, place, length and distance of exposure, use of PPE) and details of the contact person were collected.Results:The 2411 HCWs reported 2924 COVID-19 contacts. Among 830 HCWs who were at ‘high or medium risk’, 80 tested positive (9.6%). Physicians (OR=2.03), and non-medical services resulted in an increased risk (OR=4.23). Patient care did not increase the risk but sharing the work environment did (OR=2.63). There was a significant time reduction between exposure and warning, exposure and test, and warning and test since protocol implementation. HCWs with management postitions were the main source of infection due to the high number of interactions.Discussion:A proactive system that includes prompt detection of contagious staff and identification of sources of exposure helps to lower the intra-hospital spread of infection. A speedier return to work of staff who would otherwise have had to self-isolate as a precautionary measure improves staff morale and patient care by reducing the stress imposed by excessive workloads arising from staff shortages.Key words: Infection diffusion, social network analysis, healthcare professionals, occupational health, COVID-19     

新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情下医护人员社会资本对创伤后应激障碍的影响

目的 了解新型冠状病毒肺炎（简称新冠肺炎）救治期间医护人员的创伤后应激反应水平和群组差异,提出疫情后有效恢复和改善医护人员心理状态的建议与意见。 方法 2020年6—7月通过方便抽样方式,收集我国19个省市自治区的公立医院信息,对新冠肺炎疫情下在岗的医护人员进行统计调查,调查问卷内容包括人口统计学资料、社会资本、控制感,以及创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）相关内容。采用描述性统计、独立样本t检验、相关分析、层级回归等方法进行数据分析。 结果 共收回有效问卷760份,其中315名医护人员参与了确诊或者疑似新冠肺炎患者的救治工作。受访的医护人员存在一定程度的PTSD,处于中等水平（2.2155~2.9385）。医生在经历过新冠肺炎疫情后表现出的规避、闯入和唤醒倾向均高于护士群体,差异均有统计学意义（均P < 0.05）。新冠肺炎定点救治医院的医护人员在规避反应上高于非定点医院,差异有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。直接参与新冠肺炎患者救治的医护人员规避、闯入和唤醒反应水平均高于未直接参与救治的医护人员,差异均有统计学意义（均P < 0.05）。结构资本（r=0.566）、人际资本（r=0.577）和认知资本（r=0.596）对医护人员的控制感具有显著正向影响。结构资本（r=-0.166）、人际资本（r=-0.177）和认知资本（r=-0.168）对医护人员的PTSD具有显著负向影响。控制感（r=-0.179）对医护人员的PTSD具有显著负向影响。 结论 医护人员感知的结构资本、人际资本和认知资本通过增强其控制感可以有效抑制创伤后应激障碍的形成与发展,医院应采取措施通过提高医护人员的社会资本感知和控制感降低创伤后应激障碍的影响。     

Covid-19 As Occupational Disease in Healthcare Workers: a Brief Review of Cases in The Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka,Croatia

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a tremendous impact on every facet of private life and work organisation in virtually all social and economic sectors worldwide. People who stand on the first line of defence are healthcare workers (HCWs) risking exposure to infected patients. However, even though they are often affected by COVID-19 and associated somatic and mental health problems, COVID-19 as a new illness was not immediately acknowledged as occupational disease. This is why several groups of HCWs contacted their occupational medicine physicians in 2020 with a request to register the infection with SARS-CoV-2 as occupational disease. In an attempt to support their appeals and show that hospital workers have a high occupational risk of COVID-19, this study presents COVID-19 incidence and symptoms in 100 employees working at 11 clinics of the Clinical Hospital Centre (CHC) Rijeka, Croatia from 1 June to end December 2020. All of them were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and took sick leave, which lasted 13.6±2.6 days in average. This study also looks into the role of occupational medicine physicians in prospective monitoring of acute and long-acting consequences of COVID-19 that might occur in HCWs.Key words: incidence, occupational medicine, SARS-CoV-2, symptoms     

COVID-19 Symptoms and Deaths among Healthcare Workers,United States

We evaluated whether demographics and COVID-19 symptoms predicted COVID-19 deaths among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the United States by comparing COVID-19 deaths in HCWs with 3 control groups (HCW nondeaths, non-HCW deaths, and non-HCW nondeaths) using a case–control design. We obtained patient-level data of 33 variables reported during January 1, 2020–October 12, 2021, in all US states. We used logistic regression analysis while controlling for confounders. We found that persons who were >50 years of age, male, Black, or Asian experienced significantly more deaths than matched controls. In addition, HCWs who died had higher risks for the most severe clinical indicators. We also found that the most indicative symptoms were preexisting medical conditions, shortness of breath, fever, cough, and gastrointestinal symptoms. In summary, minority, male, and older HCWs had greater risk for COVID-19 death. Severe clinical indicators and specific symptoms may predict COVID-19–related deaths among HCWs.     

Initial impact of SARS-Cov-2 vaccination on healthcare workers in Italy– Update on the 28th of March 2021

In Italy, the COVID-19 vaccination campaign started in December 2020 with the vaccination of healthcare workers (HCW). To analyse the real-life impact that vaccination is having on this population group, we measured the association between week of diagnosis and HCW status using log-binomial regression. By the week 22–28 March, we observed a 74% reduction (PPR 0.26; 95% CI 0.22–0.29) in the proportion of cases reported as HCW and 81% reduction in the proportion of symptomatic cases reported as HCW, compared with the week with the lowest proportion of cases among HCWs prior to the vaccination campaign (31 August-7 September). The reduction, both in relative and absolute terms, of COVID-19 cases in HCWs that started around 30 days after the start of the vaccination campaign suggest that COVID-19 vaccines are being effective in preventing infection in this group.     

Disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among health care workers

BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccine uptake by healthcare workers (HCWs) is critical to protect HCWs, the patients they care for, and the healthcare infrastructure. Our study aims to examine the actual COVID-19 vaccination rate among HCWs and identify risk factors associated with vaccine nonacceptance.Study Design and MethodsA retrospective analysis of COVID-19 vaccinations for HCWs at a large multi-site US academic medical center from 12/18/2020 through 05/04/2021. Comparisons between groups were performed using unpaired student t-test for continuous variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables. A logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associations between vaccine uptake and risk factor(s).ResultsOf the 65,270 HCWs included in our analysis, the overall vaccination rate was 78.6%. Male gender, older age, White and Asian race, and direct patient care were associated with higher vaccination rates (P <.0001). Significant differences were observed between different job categories. Physicians and advanced practice staff, and healthcare professionals were more likely to be vaccinated than nurses and support staff.ConclusionsOur data demonstrated higher initial vaccination rates among HCWs than the general population national average during the study period. We observed significant disparities among different high-risk HCWs groups, especially among different job categories, black HCWs and younger HCWs despite their high risk of contracting the infection. Interventions to address lower vaccination rate and vaccine hesitancy should be built with these disparities and differences in mind to create more targeted interventions.