[Epidemiological study on the impact of influenza vaccination on the clinical course of patients with COVID-19 and co-infection by both viruses in Gran Canaria, Spain]

Rev Esp Quimioter. 2023 Apr;36(2):180-186. doi: 10.37201/req/102.2022. Epub 2023 Jan 27.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the frequency of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 co-infections, as well as the differences in the course of disease (risk of mortality, hospital and intensive care admissions) in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in relation to flu vaccination status in the 2021-2022 season.

Methods: Population-based observational retrospective study in a cohort of 19,850 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between June 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 on the island of Gran Canaria.

Results: A total of 1,789 patients (9%) diagnosed with COVID-19 had received flu vaccinations. 13,676 people (68.9%) had a full course of COVID-19 vaccinations. In the period between June 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022, 8 cases of flu and COVID-19 coinfection were recorded. Hypertension (18.5%), asthma (12.8%) and diabetes (7.2%) were the most frequent comorbidities. There were 147 deaths (0.7%). Older patients ([OR] 1.11 95% CI 1.09-1.13) and people with cancer ([OR] 4.21 95% CI 2.58-6.89) had a higher risk of dying from COVID-19 (p<0.05). Female sex was noted as a protective factor ([OR] 0.61 95% CI 0.40-0.92).

Conclusions: Old age, male sex and cancer were independent prognostic factors for mortality. Three doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and influenza vaccines were highly effective in preventing COVID-19-related deaths and hospital admissions. These findings suggest that flu vaccination can help control the pandemic.

Objetivo: Analizar la frecuencia de coinfecciones entre los virus gripales y el SARS-CoV-2, además de las diferencias en la evolución (riesgo de mortalidad, ingreso hospitalario o en intensivos) de los pacientes infectados por el virus del SARSCoV-2 según vacunación o no vacunación de la gripe en la temporada 2021-2022.

Método: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de base poblacional en una cohorte de 19.850 pacientes diagnosticados de COVID-19 entre el 1 de junio de 2021 y 28 de febrero de 2022 en la isla de Gran Canaria.

Resultados: Fueron vacunados de la gripe 1.789 personas, el 9% del total de pacientes diagnosticados de COVID-19. 13.676 personas (68,9%) contaban con pauta completa de vacunación del COVID-19. En el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de junio de 2021 y 28 de febrero de 2022 se registraron 8 casos de coinfección gripe y COVID-19. Hipertensión (18,5%), asma (12,8%) y diabetes (7,2%) fueron las comorbilidades más frecuentes. Hubo 147 defunciones (0,7%). Las personas de mayor edad ([OR] 1,11 IC 95% 1,09-1,13) y con cáncer ([OR] 4,21 IC 95% 2,58-6,89) tuvieron mayor riesgo de fallecer por COVID-19 (p<0,05). El sexo femenino fue considerado un factor protector ([OR] 0,61 IC 95% 0,40-0,92).

Conclusiones: La edad avanzada, el sexo masculino y el cáncer fueron factores pronósticos independientes de mortalidad. Tres dosis de la vacuna del SARS-CoV-2 y la vacuna de la gripe fueron altamente efectivas para prevenir muertes e ingresos relacionados con COVID-19. Estos hallazgos sugieren que la vacunación contra la gripe puede ayudar a controlar la pandemia.

Keywords: COVID-19; Influenza; immunity; infection; vaccine.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19*
  • Coinfection*
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines*
  • Influenza, Human* / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spain
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Influenza Vaccines