Ljung R, Feychting M, Burström B, Möller J. Differences by region of birth in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine coverage and positive SARS-CoV-2 test among 400 000 healthcare workers and the general population in Sweden.
Vaccine 2022;
40:2904-2909. [PMID:
35428499 PMCID:
PMC8995201 DOI:
10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.04.014]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background
Globally SARS-CoV-2 vaccine coverage varies among healthcare workers.
Methods
Based on Swedish registers, data on vaccination status as of 31 October 2021 were analysed for all adults aged 35–64 years, 3 861 565 individuals, in Sweden by healthcare worker occupation group and region of birth.
Results
For both men and women vaccination coverage decreased in a graded manner by healthcare worker group with physicians having the highest coverage (96%), followed by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. Coverage also differed by region of birth for all groups of healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers with those born in Sweden with Sweden born parents having the highest coverage, and those born outside Sweden but within EU the lowest.
Conclusion
The difference in vaccine coverage by region of birth among healthcare workers, regardless of whether it results from socioeconomic inequalities or sociocultural beliefs, puts them at a great occupational hazard and increased risk of nosocomial transmission.
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