The increase in reinfections from Covid continues. From 24 August 2021 to 5 June 2022, 532,755 cases of reinfection were reported, equal to 4.0% of the total cases notified, in the last week the percentage of reinfections out of the total reported cases was equal to 7.4%, an increase compared to the previous week when they were 6.3%. This is indicated by the extended weekly report that integrates the Covid Iss-Ministry of Health monitoring. Unvaccinated people, women, health professionals and those who have been vaccinated for more than 120 days are at greater risk.
In subjects not vaccinated or vaccinated with at least one dose for over 120 days compared to vaccinated with at least one dose within 120 days; in females compared to males. “The greater risk in female subjects may probably be due to the greater presence of women in the school environment where an intense screening activity is carried out and to the fact that women perform the role of caregiver in the family more often”.
The younger age groups (from 12 to 49 years) are also more at risk than people with the first diagnosis between the ages of 50-59 years. “Probably the greater risk of reinfection in the younger age groups is attributable to higher risk behaviors and exposures, compared to the age groups over 60”. Finally, in health workers compared to the rest of the population.
The vaccine prevents severe disease by up to 87%
The effectiveness of the Covid vaccine in the Omicron prevalence period (from January 3, 2022) in preventing cases of severe disease is 69% in vaccinated with a full course of less than 90 days, 68% with a full course of 91 and 120 days. , and 71% in those who have completed the vaccination cycle for over 120 days, to reach 87% in those vaccinated with boosters. In preventing contagion, it is 41% within 90 days of the completion of the vaccination cycle, 32% between 91 and 120 days, and 46% beyond 120 days from the completion of the cycle or equal to 55% with the booster dose.
Cases increase but BA.5 variant not more severe
Over the last week in Italy the number of Covid cases has increased while hospitalizations, admissions to intensive care and deaths are confirmed to be decreasing. The percentage of cases among health workers compared to the rest of the population (2.5%) also increased compared to the previous week. However, “there is currently no evidence that infections caused by the BA.4 and BA.5 variants are associated with an increased severity of clinical manifestations compared to those caused by BA.1 and BA.2”. There was a slight decrease in the percentage of cases reported with asymptomatic initial clinical status compared to the previous week (70%).