Unvaccinated first responders are at high risk and have a high incidence of COVID-19 infection

Unvaccinated first responders are more likely to develop COVID-19 infections than vaccinated first responders, according to a study letter published in. JAMA network opened.

Unvaccinated respondents are less likely to believe in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, indicating less confidence in the government. Studies show that first responder vaccine intake remains relatively low, despite facing an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

To assess attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and disease burden in vaccinated and non-vaccinated first responders, researchers have conducted SARS in Arizona Healthcare, Emergency Response, and Other Essential Worker Studies (HEROES) and Essentials. -Responsive Personnel (RECOVER) cohort using data from studies on the epidemiology of CoV-2.

Eligible participants in the HEROES and RECOVER studies were enrolled in Florida, Minnesota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Arizona. Participants were 18-85 years old and worked at least 20 hours a week in occupations with direct contact (<3 feet) from others. Participant characteristics were collected at the time of registration, including self-reported information about race and ethnicity.

From January 1st to September 30th, 2021, participants provided weekly nasal specimens using a home kit and reported COVID-19-like symptoms via text messages. Respiratory specimens were tested for SARS-CoV-2. The duration and absenteeism of COVID-19-related illnesses was assessed at the beginning and end of each illness.

A quarterly follow-up was used to assess the vaccine knowledge, attitudes, and practices of participants who were considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the recommended primary vaccine. We compared the socio-demographic characteristics and attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine between unvaccinated and fully vaccinated participants. The incidence of COVID-19 was calculated from January to September 2021 and compared by first responder type.

Of the 1415 participants, 79% were male and 21% were female. Self-reported racial and ethnic data showed that 29% of participants were Hispanic and 95% were Caucasian. Participants were identified by occupation. 68% were firefighters, 17% were law enforcement officers, and 15% were other first responders.

A total of 1163 participants completed the attitude survey. This includes 62% of the 586 unvaccinated participants and 97% of the 829 vaccinated participants. Of the fully vaccinated participants, 35% said they trust the government for the COVID-19 vaccine. Only 12% of unvaccinated participants trusted the government.

Unvaccinated first responders were less likely to believe that the COVID-19 vaccine was effective than vaccinated first responders (61). [17%] vs 430 [54%]Each) or safe (54 [15%] vs 435 [54%]Respectively).

Among the first respondents, a total of 184 COVID-19 diseases with assay-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified during the study period from January to September 2021. The incidence of COVID-19 per 1000 person-weeks is 11.9 (95% CI, 7.0-20.1) unvaccinated individuals and 0.6 (95% CI, 0.2-2.5) vaccinated individuals.

The incidence was also high among unvaccinated firefighters (9.0). [95% CI, 6.4-12.7]) Compared to vaccinated firefighters (1.8) [95% CI, 1.1-2.8]).

The mean (SD) disease duration of COVID-19 participants confirmed in the laboratory was 19.7 longer in unvaccinated individuals. [16.9] More days than vaccinated individuals (15.3) [11.7] day to day). The average absenteeism (SD) period was also longer for unvaccinated individuals than for vaccinated individuals (85.2). [49.3] vs 67.6 [25.8] time). However, the differences were not statistically significant for either period measurement.

Overall, unvaccinated first responders were more likely to develop COVID-19 than vaccinated first responders and were less likely to believe in the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.

“Our findings suggest that states and local governments with a large number of unvaccinated first responders may face significant workforce disruptions due to COVID-19 disease. The author writes.

The authors further suggest that the government consider mandating vaccines with regular inspections and alternative job assignments for unvaccinated workers. They also say that given the low government confidence in first responder vaccines, reliable non-governmental sources need to be leveraged to increase vaccination rates.

This study had some limitations. A small number of COVID-19 diseases observed in vaccinated individuals limited the accuracy of estimation and prevented the adjustment of potential confounders. Moreover, given that most participants are Caucasian and come from Florida and Arizona, the generalization of the results is limited.

reference

Caban-Martinez AJ, Gaglani M, Olsho LE, et al. January-September 2021 COVID-19 vaccination prospects and illnesses in US law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders. JAMA network opened. 2022; 5 (7): e2222640. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fulla rticle / 2794346? utm_source = For_The_Media & utm_medium = referral & utm_campaign = ftm_links & utm_term = 071922. Published July 19, 2022. Accessed July 20, 2022.