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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Immunocompromised individuals remain at risk of COVID-19: 2023 results from the observational INFORM study
Jennifer K Quint1, Sabada Dube2, Lucy Carty3
1School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Objectives:
We aimed to characterise coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity, mortality and healthcare utilisation in immunocompromised individuals in England during 2023, using INFORM (INvestigation oF cOvid-19 Risk among iMmunocompromised populations) study data.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort study (ISRCTN53375662) using pseudonymised electronic health records of individuals aged ≥12 years from a random 25% sample of England's population. Over 1 January-31 December 2023, adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs; adjusted for age, sex, non-immunocompromising comorbidities) between immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised individuals for COVID-19-related hospitalisation, death, and healthcare utilisation were estimated.
Results:
Immunocompromised individuals represented 4.0% of 12,056,685 individuals studied but accounted for 21.7% and 21.9% of COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths, respectively. Risk of severe COVID-19 was elevated for immunocompromised vs. non-immunocompromised; aIRRs: 2.04, 95% CI 1.95-2.14 (COVID-19 hospitalisation); 1.69, 95% CI 1.53-1.87 (COVID-19 death). COVID-19 vaccination was more likely in immunocompromised vs. non-immunocompromised (≥4 doses 72.6% vs. 29.8%). The aIRRs for COVID-19-related general practitioner consultations and accident and emergency/day case visits were 2.26 (95% CI 2.22-2.29) and 3.02 (95% CI 2.84-3.20), respectively, for immunocompromised vs. non-immunocompromised.
Conclusions:
Beyond three years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, immunocompromised individuals remain disproportionately impacted from COVID-19 despite increased vaccination. These findings highlight a persistent need for additional COVID-19 interventions for immunocompromised populations.
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