ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo assess the Connecticut Department of Corrections (DOC) COVID-19 vaccine program within jails. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort analysis among people who were incarcerated in a DOC-operated jail between February 2 and November 8, 2021, and were eligible for vaccination at the time of incarceration (intake). We compared the vaccination rates before and after incarceration using an age-adjusted survival analysis with a time-varying exposure of incarceration and an outcome of vaccination. ResultsDuring the study period, 3,716 people spent [≥]1 night in jail and were eligible for vaccination at intake. Of these residents, 136 were vaccinated prior to incarceration, 2,265 had a recorded vaccine offer, and 476 were vaccinated while incarcerated. The age-adjusted hazard of vaccination following incarceration was significantly higher than prior to incarceration (12.5; 95% CI: 10.2-15.3). ConclusionsWe found that residents were more likely to become vaccinated in jail than the community. Though these findings highlight the utility of vaccination programs within jails, the low level of vaccination in this population speaks to the need for additional program development within jails and the community.
ABSTRACT
BackgroundThe CDC recommends serial rapid antigen assay collection within congregate facilities for screening and outbreak testing. Though modeling and observational studies from community and long-term care facilities have shown serial collection provides adequate sensitivity and specificity, the diagnostic accuracy of this testing strategy within correctional facilities remains unknown. MethodsUsing Connecticut Department of Corrections (DOC) data from November 21st 2020 to June 15th 2021, we estimated the accuracy of a rapid assay, BinaxNOW, under three collection strategies, a single test in isolation and two and three serial tests separated by 1-4 day intervals. Diagnostic accuracy metrics were estimated in relation to RT-PCRs collected within one day before the first or after the last included rapid antigen tests in a series. ResultsOf the 17,669 residents who contributed at least one RT-PCR or rapid antigen during the study period, 3,979 contributed [≥]1 paired rapid antigen test series. In relation to RT-PCR, the three-rapid antigen test strategy had a sensitivity of 89.6% (95% confidence intervals: 86.1-92.6%) and specificity of 97.2% (CI: 95.1-98.3%). The sensitivities for two and one-rapid antigen test strategy were 75.2% and 52.8%, respectively, and the specificities were 98.5% and 99.4%, respectively. The sensitivity was higher among symptomatic residents and when the RT-PCR was collected before the rapid antigen tests. ConclusionsWe found the serial collection of an antigen test resulted in high diagnostic accuracy. These findings support serial testing within correctional facilities for outbreak investigation, screening, and when rapid detection is required (such as intakes or transfers).
