Still Have Staffers Resisting COVID-19 Vaccination? Share These Data on Asymptomatic Infection

Anecdotally, it seems clear that there are too many healthcare professionals among the population resisting COVID-19 vaccination. A study just published by JAMA Network may be more persuasive than any workplace edict in getting them to opt for the best protection available. Researchers at the University of California Irvine evaluated rates of COVID-19 infection, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, before and after vaccination with the Pfizer or Moderna versions of the vaccine. Subjects were screened daily for specific COVID-19 symptoms (fever, fatigue, chills, myalgia, congestion, cough, loss of smell, shortness of breath, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea), with temperature checks required. Those positive for any of those symptoms were given rapid nasopharyngeal testing if positive. Subject who were negative for symptoms were invited to receive a test, as well. The researchers reported that positivity rates were similar between the HCPs and the surrounding community at the outset. However, just 1 week after the second doses of vaccine began being administered, there was a 55% reduction in daily cases of COVID-19. After 4 weeks, the rate fell by 94%—practically equal to the expected 95% overall effectiveness rate of the vaccines. With HCPs being exposed to far greater viral loads than the general public and the more transmissible Delta variant now responsible for the majority of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S., it’s time to bolster efforts to strive for 100% compliance among your staff.