Prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among US blood donors by industry, May–December 2021

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundWork is a social determinant of health that is often overlooked. There are major work‐related differences in the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) infection and death, but there have been few analyses of infection rates across industry groups. To date, only one national assessment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection prevalence by industry based on self‐report has been completed. No study has looked at seroprevalence of COVID‐19 by industry.MethodsDuring May–December 2021, blood donors with SARS‐CoV‐2 antinucleocapsid testing were sent an electronic survey about their work. Free‐text industry responses were classified using the North American Industry Classification System. We estimated seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by industry.ResultsOf 57,726 donors, 7040 (12%, 95% CI: 11.9%−12.5%) had prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Seroprevalence was highest among Accommodation & Food Services (19.3%, 95% CI: 17.1%−21.6%), Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction (19.2%, 95% CI: 12.8%−27.8%), Healthcare & Social Assistance (15.6%, 95% CI: 14.9%−16.4%), and Construction (14.7%, 95% CI: 13.1%−16.3%). Seroprevalence was lowest among Management of Companies & Enterprises (6.5%, 95% CI: 3.5%−11.5%), Professional Scientific & Technical Services (8.4%, 95% CI: 7.7%−9.0%), and Information (9.9%, 95% CI: 8.5%−11.5%).ConclusionsWhile workers in all industries had serologic evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, certain sectors were disproportionately impacted. Disease surveillance systems should routinely collect work characteristics so public health and industry leaders can address health disparities using sector‐specific policies.