Healthcare worker risk of COVID-19: A 20-month analysis of protective measures from vaccination and beyond

BackgroundAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues and new variants such as Omicron emerge, we aimed to re-evaluate vaccine effectiveness as well as impacts of rigorously implemented infection control, public health and occupational health measures in protecting healthcare workers (HCWs). MethodsFollowing a cohort of 21,242 HCWs in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, for 20 months since the pandemic started, we used Cox regression and test-negative-design to examine differences in SARS-COV-2 infection rates compared to community counterparts, and within the HCW workforce, assessing the role of occupation, testing accessibility, vaccination rates, and vaccine effectiveness over time. ResultsNurses, allied health professionals and medical staff in this jurisdiction had a significantly lower rate of infection compared to their age-group community counterparts, at 47.4, 41.8, and 55.3% reduction respectively; controlling for vaccine-attributable reductions, the protective impact was still substantial, at 33.4, 28.0, and 36.5% respectively. Licensed practical nurses and care aides had the highest risk of infection among HCWs, more than double that of medical staff. However, even considering differences in vaccination rates, no increase in SARS-CoV-2 infection was found compared to community rates, with combined protective measures beyond vaccination associated with a 17.7% reduced SARS-COV-2 rate in the VCH workforce overall. There was also no evidence of waning immunity within at least 200 days after second dose. ConclusionRigorously implemented occupational health, public health and infection control measures results in a well-protected healthcare workforce with infection rates at or below rates in community counterparts. Greater accessibility of vaccination worldwide is essential; however, as implementing measures to protect this workforce globally also requires considerable health system strengthening in many jurisdictions, we caution against overly focusing on vaccination to the exclusion of other crucial elements for wider protection of HCWs, especially in facing ongoing mutations which may escape current vaccines. Health and care workers are the foundation of health systems and the driving force to achieving universal health coverage and global health security. ...However, too many of them have become infected, ill or died as a result of COVID-19.... These deaths are a tragic loss. They are also an irreplaceable gap in the worlds pandemic response...the world cannot be complacent. World Health Organization Steering Committee for the International Year of Health and Care Workers in 2021 (1)