In the Journals: COVID-19 Vaccination — What the Provincetown Experience Did and Did Not Tell Us
Published on in Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers
Published on in Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers
During July 2021, 469 cases of COVID-19 infections associated with densely packed indoor and outdoor events that included bars, restaurants, guest houses and rental homes in a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, were reported. Approximately, 3/4 of cases (346, 74%) occurred in those who were fully vaccinated (Brown CM, Vostok J, Johnson H, et al. Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infections, including COVID-19 breakthrough infections, associated with large public gatherings—Barnstable County, Massachusetts, July 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021 Aug 6;70(31):1059-1062.
Genomic sequencing confirmed that the dominant circulating strain was the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. Overall, 274 (79%) of infections were mildly symptomatic with the most common symptoms being cough, headache, sore throat, myalgia and fever. Four of 346 previously vaccinated individuals (1.2%) were hospitalized (two of whom had underlying medical conditions). In addition, using PCR testing and cycle times, the authors concluded that the quantity of virus shed was similar between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups who were subsequently infected.
As a result of these findings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that all persons, including those who are fully vaccinated, should wear masks in indoor public settings in areas where COVID-19 transmission is high or substantial.
There are several takeaways from this report:
Contributed by: Paul A. Offit, MD
Categories: Vaccine Update August 2021, In the Journals
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