SARS-CoV-2 immunization index in the academic community: a retrospective post-vaccination study

• Main Author: Oliveira, Ketlyn
• Publication Date: 2024
• Other Authors: Almeida, Ana, Silva, Carina, Brito, Miguel, Ribeiro, Edna
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/18006
• topic: SARS-CoV-2; Immunity; Vaccines; Academic community; Immunological variables; FCT_UIDP/05608/2020; FCT_UIDB/05608/2020

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized vaccine production and compelled a massive global vaccination campaign. This study aimed to estimate the positivity and levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies acquired due to vaccination and infection in the academic population of a Portuguese university. Methods: Blood samples were collected and analyzed using the ELISA methodology, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: A total of 529 volunteers with at least one dose of the vaccine were enrolled in this study. Individuals without a prior COVID-19 diagnosis were divided into two groups: 350, who received a full vaccination, and 114, who received a full vaccination and a booster dose of the same vaccine (81) and mixed vaccines (33). Regarding the individuals who reported a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, 31 received a full vaccination, and 34 received only one vaccination dose. Data analysis showed a higher level of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 in younger, female individuals who received the Moderna vaccine, with recent post-vaccine administration, a mixed booster dose, and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Assessing vaccination’s effectiveness and group immunity is crucial for pandemic management, particularly in academic environments with high individual mobility, to define groups at risk and redirect infection control strategies.