Severity of COVID-19 Infection Using Chest Computed Tomography Severity Score Index Among Vaccinated and Unvaccinated COVID-19- Positive Healthcare Workers: An Analytical Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines protect against severe illness. However, data on post-vaccination COVID-19 breakthrough infections are limited. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to July 2021 among 2043 COVID- 19-positive healthcare workers who were divided into a vaccinated group (n=1010) and an unvaccinated group (n=1033). A pre-tested questionnaire was circulated among the healthcare workers using Google Forms. Chest computed tomography (CT) severity score was the primary outcome variable analyzed using coGuide. Results: The average age of the study population was less than 45 years in both groups (43.05 ± 13.02 years). Most respondents (62%) were males. Hypertension (39%) and diabetes (33%) were the most common underlying diseases. Significant differences in age and cardiac disease were observed between the two groups (p = 0.07 and p <0.001, respectively). However, the difference was insignificant (p >0.05) for gender, hypertension, and diabetes. Most unvaccinated respondents had an increased CT severity score, and the difference between the studies groups was significant (p <0.001). Of the 1,010 vaccinated individuals, 382 (37.82%) received the only first vaccination dose, and 628 (62.18%) received both doses. The CT severity score decreased after receiving both vaccination doses, and the difference between CT severity score and vaccination status was significant (p <0.001). Conclusion: COVID-19 was mild in the vaccinated group. Chest CT severity score index can be considered an efficient tool in predicting prognosis and monitoring disease in patients with COVID-19 in India.