Risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection during multiple Omicron variant waves in the UK general population
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Published:2024-02-02
Issue:1
Volume:15
Page:
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ISSN:2041-1723
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Container-title:Nature Communications
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Nat Commun
Author:
Wei JiaORCID, Stoesser NicoleORCID, Matthews Philippa C., Khera Tarnjit, Gethings Owen, Diamond Ian, Studley Ruth, Taylor Nick, Peto Tim E. A., Walker A. Sarah, Pouwels Koen B.ORCID, Eyre David W.ORCID, Rourke Emma, Thomas Tina, Pienaar Dawid, Preece Joy, Crofts Sarah, Lloyd Lina, Bowen Michelle, Ayoubkhani Daniel, Black Russell, Felton Antonio, Crees Megan, Jones Joel, Sutherland Esther, Crook Derrick W., Pritchard Emma, Vihta Karina-Doris, Howarth Alison, Marsden Brian D., Chau Kevin K., Ferreira Lucas Martins, Dejnirattisai Wanwisa, Mongkolsapaya Juthathip, Hoosdally Sarah, Cornall Richard, Stuart David I., Screaton Gavin, Lythgoe Katrina, Bonsall David, Golubchik Tanya, Fryer Helen, Newton John N., Bell John I., Cox Stuart, Paddon Kevin, James Tim, House Thomas, Robotham Julie, Birrell Paul, Jordan Helena, Sheppard Tim, Athey Graham, Moody Dan, Curry Leigh, Brereton Pamela, Jarvis Ian, Godsmark Anna, Morris George, Mallick Bobby, Eeles Phil, Hay Jodie, VanSteenhouse Harper, Lee Jessica, White Sean, Evans Tim, Bloemberg Lisa, Allison Katie, Pandya Anouska, Davis Sophie, Conway David I., MacLeod Margaret, Cunningham Chris,
Abstract
AbstractSARS-CoV-2 reinfections increased substantially after Omicron variants emerged. Large-scale community-based comparisons across multiple Omicron waves of reinfection characteristics, risk factors, and protection afforded by previous infection and vaccination, are limited. Here we studied ~45,000 reinfections from the UK’s national COVID-19 Infection Survey and quantified the risk of reinfection in multiple waves, including those driven by BA.1, BA.2, BA.4/5, and BQ.1/CH.1.1/XBB.1.5 variants. Reinfections were associated with lower viral load and lower percentages of self-reporting symptoms compared with first infections. Across multiple Omicron waves, estimated protection against reinfection was significantly higher in those previously infected with more recent than earlier variants, even at the same time from previous infection. Estimated protection against Omicron reinfections decreased over time from the most recent infection if this was the previous or penultimate variant (generally within the preceding year). Those 14–180 days after receiving their most recent vaccination had a lower risk of reinfection than those >180 days from their most recent vaccination. Reinfection risk was independently higher in those aged 30–45 years, and with either low or high viral load in their most recent previous infection. Overall, the risk of Omicron reinfection is high, but with lower severity than first infections; both viral evolution and waning immunity are independently associated with reinfection.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
General Physics and Astronomy,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology,General Chemistry,Multidisciplinary
Reference48 articles.
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