Author:
Lange Berit,Jaeger Veronika K.,Harries Manuela,Rücker Viktoria,Streeck Hendrik,Blaschke Sabine,Petersmann Astrid,Toepfner Nicole,Nauck Matthias,Hassenstein Max J.,Dreier Maren,von Holt Isabell,Budde Axel,Bartz Antonia,Ortmann Julia,Kurosinski Marc-André,Berner Reinhard,Borsche Max,Brandhorst Gunnar,Brinkmann Melanie,Budde Kathrin,Deckena Marek,Engels Geraldine,Fenzlaff Marc,Härtel Christoph,Hovardovska Olga,Katalinic Alexander,Kehl Katja,Kohls Mirjam,Krüger Stefan,Lieb Wolfgang,Meyer-Schlinkmann Kristin M.,Pischon Tobias,Rosenkranz Daniel,Rübsamen Nicole,Rupp Jan,Schäfer Christian,Schattschneider Mario,Schlegtendal Anne,Schlinkert Simon,Schmidbauer Lena,Schulze-Wundling Kai,Störk Stefan,Tiemann Carsten,Völzke Henry,Winter Theresa,Klein Christine,Liese Johannes,Brinkmann Folke,Ottensmeyer Patrick F.,Reese Jens-Peter,Heuschmann Peter,Karch André
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the need to generate valid and reliable estimates of protection levels against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe course of COVID-19 for the German population in summer 2022, there was a lack of systematically collected population-based data allowing for the assessment of the protection level in real time.
Methods
In the IMMUNEBRIDGE project, we harmonised data and biosamples for nine population-/hospital-based studies (total number of participants n = 33,637) to provide estimates for protection levels against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 between June and November 2022. Based on evidence synthesis, we formed a combined endpoint of protection levels based on the number of self-reported infections/vaccinations in combination with nucleocapsid/spike antibody responses (“confirmed exposures”). Four confirmed exposures represented the highest protection level, and no exposure represented the lowest.
Results
Most participants were seropositive against the spike antigen; 37% of the participants ≥ 79 years had less than four confirmed exposures (highest level of protection) and 5% less than three. In the subgroup of participants with comorbidities, 46–56% had less than four confirmed exposures. We found major heterogeneity across federal states, with 4–28% of participants having less than three confirmed exposures.
Conclusion
Using serological analyses, literature synthesis and infection dynamics during the survey period, we observed moderate to high levels of protection against severe COVID-19, whereas the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection was low across all age groups. We found relevant protection gaps in the oldest age group and amongst individuals with comorbidities, indicating a need for additional protective measures in these groups.
Funder
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung GmbH (HZI)
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Infectious Diseases,Microbiology (medical),General Medicine
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