Effectiveness and Waning of Protection With Different SARS-CoV-2 Primary and Booster Vaccines During the Delta Pandemic Wave in 2021 in Hungary (HUN-VE 3 Study).

Background: In late 2021, the pandemic wave was dominated by the Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant in Hungary. Booster vaccines were offered for the vulnerable population starting from August 2021. Methods: The nationwide HUN-VE 3 study examined the effectiveness and durability of primary immunization and single booster vaccinations in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection, Covid-19 related hospitalization and mortality during the Delta wave, compared to an unvaccinated control population without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: The study population included 8,087,988 individuals who were 18-100 years old at the beginning of the pandemic. During the Delta wave, after adjusting for age, sex, calendar day, and chronic diseases, vaccine effectiveness (VE) of primary vaccination against registered SARS-CoV-2 infection was between 11% to 77% and 18% to 79% 14-120 days after primary immunization in the 16-64 and 65-100 years age cohort respectively, while it decreased to close to zero in the younger age group and around 40% or somewhat less in the elderly after 6 months for almost all vaccine types. In the population aged 65-100 years, we found high, 88.1%-92.5% adjusted effectiveness against Covid-19 infection after the Pfizer-BioNTech, and 92.2%-95.6% after the Moderna booster dose, while Sinopharm and Janssen booster doses provided 26.5%-75.3% and 72.9%-100.0% adjusted VE, respectively. Adjusted VE against Covid-19 related hospitalization was high within 14-120 days for Pfizer-BioNTech: 76.6%, Moderna: 83.8%, Sputnik-V: 78.3%, AstraZeneca: 73.8%, while modest for Sinopharm: 45.7% and Janssen: 26.4%. The waning of protection against Covid-19 related hospitalization was modest and booster vaccination with mRNA vaccines or the Janssen vaccine increased adjusted VE up to almost 100%, while the Sinopharm booster dose proved to be less effective. VE against Covid-19 related death after primary immunization was high or moderate: for Pfizer-BioNTech: 81.5%, Moderna: 93.2%, Sputnik-V: 100.0%, AstraZeneca: 84.8%, Sinopharm: 58.6%, Janssen: 53.3%). VE against this outcome also showed a moderate decline over time, while booster vaccine types restored effectiveness up to almost 100%, except for the Sinopharm booster. Conclusions: The HUN-VE 3 study demonstrated waning VE with all vaccine types for all examined outcomes during the Delta wave and confirmed the outstanding benefit of booster vaccination with the mRNA or Janssen vaccines, and this is the first study to provide clear and comparable effectiveness results for six different vaccine types after primary immunization against severe during the Delta pandemic wave.

Effectiveness and Waning of Protection With Different SARS-CoV-2 Primary and Booster Vaccines During the Delta Pandemic Wave in 2021 in Hungary (HUN-VE 3 Study)

Background In late 2021, the pandemic wave was dominated by the Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant in Hungary. Booster vaccines were offered for the vulnerable population starting from August 2021. Methods The nationwide HUN-VE 3 study examined the effectiveness and durability of primary immunization and single booster vaccinations in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection, Covid-19 related hospitalization and mortality during the Delta wave, compared to an unvaccinated control population without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results The study population included 8,087,988 individuals who were 18–100 years old at the beginning of the pandemic. During the Delta wave, after adjusting for age, sex, calendar day, and chronic diseases, vaccine effectiveness (VE) of primary vaccination against registered SARS-CoV-2 infection was between 11% to 77% and 18% to 79% 14–120 days after primary immunization in the 16–64 and 65–100 years age cohort respectively, while it decreased to close to zero in the younger age group and around 40% or somewhat less in the elderly after 6 months for almost all vaccine types. In the population aged 65–100 years, we found high, 88.1%–92.5% adjusted effectiveness against Covid-19 infection after the Pfizer-BioNTech, and 92.2%–95.6% after the Moderna booster dose, while Sinopharm and Janssen booster doses provided 26.5%–75.3% and 72.9%–100.0% adjusted VE, respectively. Adjusted VE against Covid-19 related hospitalization was high within 14–120 days for Pfizer-BioNTech: 76.6%, Moderna: 83.8%, Sputnik-V: 78.3%, AstraZeneca: 73.8%, while modest for Sinopharm: 45.7% and Janssen: 26.4%. The waning of protection against Covid-19 related hospitalization was modest and booster vaccination with mRNA vaccines or the Janssen vaccine increased adjusted VE up to almost 100%, while the Sinopharm booster dose proved to be less effective. VE against Covid-19 related death after primary immunization was high or moderate: for Pfizer-BioNTech: 81.5%, Moderna: 93.2%, Sputnik-V: 100.0%, AstraZeneca: 84.8%, Sinopharm: 58.6%, Janssen: 53.3%). VE against this outcome also showed a moderate decline over time, while booster vaccine types restored effectiveness up to almost 100%, except for the Sinopharm booster. Conclusions The HUN-VE 3 study demonstrated waning VE with all vaccine types for all examined outcomes during the Delta wave and confirmed the outstanding benefit of booster vaccination with the mRNA or Janssen vaccines, and this is the first study to provide clear and comparable effectiveness results for six different vaccine types after primary immunization against severe during the Delta pandemic wave.

Booster Vaccination Decreases 28-Day All-Cause Mortality of the Elderly Hospitalized Due to SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant.

(1) Background: SARS-CoV-2 infections are associated with an increased risk of hospital admissions especially in the elderly (age ≥ 65 years) and people with multiple comorbid conditions. (2) Methods: We investigated the effect of additional booster vaccinations following the primary vaccination series of mRNA, inactivated whole virus, or vector vaccines on infections with the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant in the total Hungarian elderly population. The infection, hospital admission, and 28-day all-cause mortality of elderly population was assessed. (3) Results: A total of 1,984,176 people fulfilled the criteria of elderly including 299,216 unvaccinated individuals, while 1,037,069 had completed primary vaccination and 587,150 had obtained an additional booster. The primary vaccination series reduced the risk of infection by 48.88%, the risk of hospital admission by 71.55%, and mortality by 79.87%. The booster vaccination had an additional benefit, as the risk of infection, hospital admission, and all-cause mortality were even lower (82.95%; 92.71%; and 94.24%, respectively). Vaccinated patients needing hospitalization suffered significantly more comorbid conditions, indicating a more vulnerable population. (4) Conclusions: Our data confirmed that the primary vaccination series and especially the booster vaccination significantly reduced the risk of the SARS-CoV-2 delta-variant-associated hospital admission and 28-day all-cause mortality in the elderly despite significantly more severe comorbid conditions.

Nationwide Effectiveness of First and Second SARS-CoV2 Booster Vaccines During the Delta and Omicron Pandemic Waves in Hungary (HUN-VE 2 Study).

Background: In Hungary, the pandemic waves in late 2021 and early 2022 were dominated by the Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants, respectively. Booster vaccines were offered with one or two doses for the vulnerable population during these periods. Methods and Findings: The nationwide HUN-VE 2 study examined the effectiveness of primary immunization, single booster, and double booster vaccination in the prevention of Covid-19 related mortality during the Delta and Omicron waves, compared to an unvaccinated control population without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection during the same study periods. The risk of Covid-19 related death was 55% lower during the Omicron vs. Delta wave in the whole study population (n=9,569,648 and n=9,581,927, respectively; rate ratio [RR]: 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-0.48). During the Delta wave, the risk of Covid-19 related death was 74% lower in the primary immunized population (RR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.25-0.28) and 96% lower in the booster immunized population (RR: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.04-0.05), vs. the unvaccinated control group. During the Omicron wave, the risk of Covid-19 related death was 40% lower in the primary immunized population (RR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.55-0.65) and 82% lower in the booster immunized population (RR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.16-0.2) vs. the unvaccinated control group. The double booster immunized population had a 93% lower risk of Covid-19 related death compared to those with only one booster dose (RR: 0.07; 95% CI. 0.01-0.46). The benefit of the second booster was slightly more pronounced in older age groups. Conclusions: The HUN-VE 2 study demonstrated the significantly lower risk of Covid-19 related mortality associated with the Omicron vs. Delta variant and confirmed the benefit of single and double booster vaccination against Covid-19 related death. Furthermore, the results showed the additional benefit of a second booster dose in terms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and Covid-19 related mortality.

Booster Vaccination Decreases 28-Day All-Cause Mortality of the Elderly Hospitalized Due to SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant

(1) Background: SARS-CoV-2 infections are associated with an increased risk of hospital admissions especially in the elderly (age ≥65 years) and people with multiple comorbid conditions. (2) Methods: We investigated the effect of additional booster vaccinations following the primary vaccination series of mRNA, inactivated whole virus, or vector vaccines on infections with the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant in the total Hungarian elderly population. The infection, hospital admission, and 28-day all-cause mortality of elderly population was assessed. (3) Results: A total of 1,984,176 people fulfilled the criteria of elderly including 299,216 unvaccinated individuals, while 1,037,069 had completed primary vaccination and 587,150 had obtained an additional booster. The primary vaccination series reduced the risk of infection by 48.88%, the risk of hospital admission by 71.55%, and mortality by 79.87%. The booster vaccination had an additional benefit, as the risk of infection, hospital admission, and all-cause mortality were even lower (82.95%;92.71%;and 94.24%, respectively). Vaccinated patients needing hospitalization suffered significantly more comorbid conditions, indicating a more vulnerable population. (4) Conclusions: Our data confirmed that the primary vaccination series and especially the booster vaccination significantly reduced the risk of the SARS-CoV-2 delta-variant-associated hospital admission and 28-day all-cause mortality in the elderly despite significantly more severe comorbid conditions.

Nationwide effectiveness of five SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Hungary-the HUN-VE study.

OBJECTIVES: The Hungarian vaccination campaign was conducted with five different vaccines during the third wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2021. This observational study (HUN-VE: Hungarian Vaccine Effectiveness) estimated vaccine effectiveness against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19-related mortality in 3.7 million vaccinated individuals. METHODS: Incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related mortality were calculated using data from the National Public Health Centre surveillance database. Estimated vaccine effectiveness was calculated as 1 - incidence rate ratio ≥7 days after the second dose for each available vaccine versus an unvaccinated control group using mixed-effect negative binomial regression controlling for age, sex and calendar day. RESULTS: Between 22 January 2021 and 10 June 2021, 3 740 066 Hungarian individuals received two doses of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), HB02 (Sinopharm), Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik-V), AZD1222 (AstraZeneca), or mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccines. Incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related death were 1.73-9.3/100 000 person-days and 0.04-0.65/100 000 person-days in the fully vaccinated population, respectively. Estimated adjusted effectiveness varied between 68.7% (95% CI 67.2%-70.1%) and 88.7% (95% CI 86.6%-90.4%) against SARS-CoV-2 infection, and between 87.8% (95% CI 86.1%-89.4%) and 97.5% (95% CI 95.6%-98.6%) against COVID-19-related death, with 100% effectiveness in individuals aged 16-44 years for all vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: Our observational study demonstrated the high or very high effectiveness of five different vaccines in the prevention SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related death.

Változás a mindennapos ápolási feladatokban – járványügyi intézkedések és protokollok az idősellátáshoz kapcsolódó ápolástgondozást nyújtó bentlakásos intézményekben

Introduction: In this publication we will represent the SWOT-analysis and abilities of the social residential institutes in terms of safety measures and strategies, against the current pandemic situation caused by the Covid-19 outbreak. Our analysis involves the retirement homes and other caretaking facilities in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County. The data was acquired through anonym only surveys. We will introduce new challenges and task in the daily life of the retirement homes, furthermore we will provide advice and references to these institutes to help them create their own epidemiological protocols and to measure their own preparedness from a professional viewpoint. The aim of study: The goal of our examination was to assess the entire Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, which by we can gain insight into the situation of the retirement homes during the current pandemic period in the whole county . Material and Method: In Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County there are 97 active retirement homes and caretaking facilities, the leaders of the facilities were asked to fill out an anonymous online survey. Based on the received data, we formed our opinion and draw conclusions. Results: Based on the aspects of the SWOT-analysis used in the research and after the analysis of the results, we can state that the epidemiological experience, knowledge and expertise of the people working in health care show an insufficient picture. Many institutions have faced unresolved labour challenges and challenges, the difficulty of converting living quarters for isolation, and the general unpreparedness to deal with a viral situation of this caliber. The ban on visits to prevent the spread of the virus has also made it more difficult to care for those in need of special care, and in several cases, the attitude of relatives hindered the work of the institutions. Fortunately, in addition to the difficulties that arise, some positive changes should be also highlighted, such as the conscientious approach to the task of forging a team of employees . Conclusion: As a consequence, we can conclude that in the analysis we obtained and evaluated the serious difficulties in relation to the problems of the institutions, there are some options as solution to these . Possible solutions include further training, institution-specific guidelines, development and application of protocols in epidemic situations, support for crisis management and crisis communication within institutions. In the heightened situation, the acquisition of appropriate communication techniques to reassure relatives and patients are essential tools for the solution. Central guidance, monitoring and support are also needed to make all of these options a reality . Bevezetés: Jelen publikáció lehetőséget ad arra, hogy szemléltessük a szociális bentlakásos intézmények megküzdési képességét, megküzdési stratégiáit és SWOT-analízisét a Covid-19 fertőzés miatt kialakult pandémiás helyzetben. Vizsgálatunkba Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg megye bentlakásos idősotthonait, gondozóházait és szakmai vezetőit vontuk be. Az adatgyűjtés anonim, online kérdőívek segítségével történt. Bemutatjuk az idősotthonokban megváltozott mindennapok új kihívásait és feladatait, továbbá javaslatot és kiindulópontot nyújtunk az intézményeknek ahhoz, hogy elkészíthessék a saját járványügyi protokolljukat és meghatározzák szakmai minőségkritériumaikat . A vizsgálat célja: A vizsgálatunk célja volt, hogy egész Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg megyére kiterjedő felmérést végezzünk, melynek eredményeképpen egy általános helyzetkép kialakítása válik lehetővé a megye idősotthonaihoz kapcsolódóan a pandémia időszakában. Anyag és módszer: Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg megyében összesen 97 idősotthon és gondozóház működik, amelyek szakmai vezetőit egy saját tervezésű anonim, online kérdőív kitöltésére kértük fel . Az ő válaszaik alapján fogalmaztuk meg megállapításainkat, észrevételeinket, következtetéseinket . Eredmények: A kutatás során alkalmazott SWOT-analízis szempontjai alapján és az eredmények elemzését követően eredményül megállapíthatjuk, hogy az intézményekben dolgozók járványügyi tapasztalataik, ismereteik és szakértelmük hiányos képet mutatnak. Számos intézmény szembesült a munkaerőhiány megoldatlanságával és kihívásaival, a lakószobák izolációs célból való átalakításának nehézségével, az általános felkészületlenséggel egy ilyen kaliberű vírushelyzet kezeléséhez. A vírus terjedésének megakadályozása érdekében bevezetett látogatási tilalom is megnehezítette a speciális ellátást igénylők ellátását, illetve a hozzátartozók hozzáállása is több esetben akadályozta az intézmények munkáját. A felmerülő nehézségek mellett szerencsére kiemelendő néhány pozitív irányú változás is, mint a dolgozói csapat összekovácsolódása, lelkiismeretes feladatszemlélete. Következtetések: Konzekvenciaként megállapíthatjuk, hogy az analízis során megkapott és kiértékelt visszajelzések által súlyosnak minősülnek az intézmények nehézségei a pandémiás helyzet kapcsán, aminek könnyítésére és egyben megoldására több lehetőség is opcionális lehet. A lehetséges megoldásokhoz tartoznak a továbbképzések, intézményspecifikus irányelvek, protokollok kidolgozása és alkalmazása járványhelyzetekben, a krízismenedzsment és kríziskommunikáció támogatása az intézményeken belül. A felfokozott helyzetben a hozzátartozók és páciensek megnyugtatására megfelelő kommunikációs technikák elsajátítása esszenciális eszköz a megoldáshoz. Szükséges a központi iránymutatás, kontroll és támogatás annak érdekében, hogy mindezen felsorolt lehetőségek a gyakorlatban is megvalósulhassanak .

Different Trends in Excess Mortality in a Central European Country Compared to Main European Regions in the Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): a Hungarian Analysis.

Objective: This study examined cumulative excess mortality in European countries in the year of the Covid-19 pandemic and characterized the dynamics of the pandemic in different countries, focusing on Hungary and the Central and Eastern European region. Methods: Age-standardized cumulative excess mortality was calculated based on weekly mortality data from the EUROSTAT database, and was compared between 2020 and the 2016-2019 reference period in European countries. Results: Cumulate weekly excess mortality in Hungary was in the negative range until week 44. By week 52, it reached 9,998 excess deaths, corresponding to 7.73% cumulative excess mortality vs. 2016-2019 (p-value = 0.030 vs. 2016-2019). In Q1, only Spain and Italy reported excess mortality compared to the reference period. Significant increases in excess mortality were detected between weeks 13 and 26 in Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherland and Sweden. Romania and Portugal showed the largest increases in age-standardized cumulative excess mortality in the Q3. The majority of Central and Eastern European countries experienced an outstandingly high impact of the pandemic in Q4 in terms of excess deaths. Hungary ranked 11th in cumulative excess mortality based on the latest available data of from the EUROSTAT database. Conclusion: Hungary experienced a mortality deficit in the first half of 2020 compared to previous years, which was followed by an increase in mortality during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 7.7% cumulative excess mortality by the end of 2020. The excess was lower than in neighboring countries with similar dynamics of the pandemic.