Retrospective analysis of vaccination status and predominant viral
variants in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Reus, Spain
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection in already-vaccinated individuals is still possible
and may require hospitalization. The aim of the present study was to
evaluate the clinical evolution of patients with COVID-19 admitted in a
public hospital. The outcomes were assessed in relation to the
predominant viral variant and the vaccination status. This retrospective
study was performed on 1,295 COVID-19-positive patients who attended a
352-bed university hospital between 2021 and 2022. Clinical variables
and vaccination status were recorded. Of the patients, 799 had not been
vaccinated (NV, 61.7%), 449 were partially vaccinated (PV, 34.7%) and
47 were completely vaccinated (CV, 3.6%). The mean age of the CV
patients was significantly higher than that of PV and NV. Also, they had
higher percentages of chronic diseases. The outcomes depended on age but
not on vaccination status. There were 209 patients admitted during the
Omicron-infection period, from which 70 (33.5%) were NV, 135 (64.6%)
PV, and 4 (1.9%) CV. In conclusion: Correct vaccination greatly reduces
the risk of acquiring severe COVID-19. Partial vaccination does not
guarantee protection of the population. This highlights the need for
continuous vaccination promotion with all recommended doses, while
investigating alternative treatments for those patients who do not
respond to the vaccines.