Vaccination Status and the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Health Care Personnel Under Surveillance in Long-term Residential Facilities
Introduction
Routine testing for asymptomatic SARS-COV-2 infection among health care personnel (HCP) who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 can reduce transmission to the residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities.1,2 However, the utility of surveillance testing for LTC HCP who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 is unclear. Although rates of positive results among HCP who are vaccinated are extremely low,3-5 breakthrough infections and transmission still occur.6
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented routine surveillance of HCP and residents of LTC units in April 2020. Surveillance was intensified in January 2021, coincident with a national surge of cases and first vaccine availability. Therefore, the object of this study was to assess whether vaccination was associated with decreased detection of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCP working in LTC facilities.
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