ABSTRACT
Introduction/ Background: COVID-19 has rapidly spread throughout worldwide. HCW being at the frontline, are presumed to be a high-risk population. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on HCWs. Methods: We conducted a prospective nationwide cohort study from 22 February 2020 to 31 October 2021, on COVID-19 among HCWs diagnosed by RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test, and reported to the National Observatory of New and Emerging Diseases (ONMNE) and followed by regional unit. The following indicators were calculated: cumulative incidence rate (CI), case fatality ratio and relative risk (RR). Descriptive statistics were performed using frequencies, means and proportions. And a Chi-square test were used to determine the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and different exposures. Results: 13876 cases and 125 deaths of COVID-19 among HCWs were reported representing 1.9% and 0.5% of total infection and deaths respectively, giving a CI of 12300/100000 and a specific case fatality ratio of 1.3%. The mean age was 41y, most cases were females (70.6%), nurses (55.1%), from university hospitals (42.9%) and working at COVID-19 units (32.6%). The epidemic curve showed: The lowest CI was noted during the first phase of the pandemic (41/100000). The RR was 160 time greater during the early stages of the second phase (6694/100000). Most fatal cases occurred in males (3.4%) and within physicians. Impact: The study allowed to determine the occupation category and the working area most at risk for the SARS-CoV-2 infection in Tunisia, which will permit to refine the response against COVID-19. Conclusion: The widespread use of PPE helped control the infection rate among HCWs. The late decrease of the incidence rate can be attributed to the massive vaccination campaign implemented since week 12, 2021 privileging HCWs. Strategies to protect HCWs should prioritize providing adequate PPE as well as testing, surveillance and vaccination.
ABSTRACT
Background: Since the emerging of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in late 2019 and the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring it as a pandemic, a race to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 has started worldwide and therefore huge efforts and resources have been put into achieving it. This review summarizes COVID-19 vaccines in phase III and IV.