Situação vacinal dos pacientes internados por COVID-19 durante a onda ômicron BQ.1.1 em Aracaju, Sergipe, Brasil

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, remains a key issue for global public health, particularly with the emergence of new variants. This study sought to evaluate the vaccination status of patients hospitalized during the wave of the Ômicron BQ.1.1 variant in Aracaju, Sergipe. Using an ecological approach, the study analyzed data from the Municipal Health Department of Aracaju regarding the hospitalization of adults due to COVID-19 in the municipality from October 23 to December 31, 2022. The variables examined involved demographic details, vaccination records, interval time between the last dose of the vaccine and hospital admission, and type of bed. Data evaluation was conducted using a two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA), where a significance level (α) of 0.05 was established. During this period, the hospitalization rate for the disease in the city was 1.6% and 147 adults hospitalized due to COVID-19 were included in this study. Predominantly, they were elderly (average age 77 years) with pre-existing comorbidities. The vast majority (91.8%) received the primary vaccination series, with a significant proportion receiving additional booster doses. Notably, 94.8% of those who took two doses received a third, and 61.5% a fourth dose. Among those vaccinated with four doses, 83% were 70 years of age or older, and around 75% received the last dose six months before hospitalization. A significant interaction was observed between advanced age and time elapsed since the last dose (≥6 months) with the need for ICU admission (p=0.017). The results indicate that the fourth dose of the vaccine offers short-term protection against severe forms of COVID-19. It is also important to highlight the need for public policies to promote the administration of a fourth dose in the adult population and a fifth dose in people over 70 years of age, especially if the interval between the last dose exceeds six months.