Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Long COVID Prevalence and the Impact of the Third SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Dose: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the Third Follow-Up of the Borriana Cohort, Valencia, Spain (2020-2022)

Version 1 : Received: 31 August 2023 / Approved: 31 August 2023 / Online: 1 September 2023 (11:54:29 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Domènech-Montoliu, S.; Puig-Barberà, J.; Badenes-Marques, G.; Gil-Fortuño, M.; Orrico-Sánchez, A.; Pac-Sa, M.R.; Perez-Olaso, O.; Sala-Trull, D.; Sánchez-Urbano, M.; Arnedo-Pena, A. Long COVID Prevalence and the Impact of the Third SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Dose: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the Third Follow-Up of the Borriana Cohort, Valencia, Spain (2020–2022). Vaccines 2023, 11, 1590. Domènech-Montoliu, S.; Puig-Barberà, J.; Badenes-Marques, G.; Gil-Fortuño, M.; Orrico-Sánchez, A.; Pac-Sa, M.R.; Perez-Olaso, O.; Sala-Trull, D.; Sánchez-Urbano, M.; Arnedo-Pena, A. Long COVID Prevalence and the Impact of the Third SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Dose: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the Third Follow-Up of the Borriana Cohort, Valencia, Spain (2020–2022). Vaccines 2023, 11, 1590.

Abstract

Background: In March 2020, a COVID-19 outbreak associated with the Falles Festival in Borriana, Spain, led to significant infections. Methods: In June 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional follow-up study of 473 socially engaged adults aged 18 to 64, examining the cumulative experience after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination responses. Data included demographic details, lifestyle habits, medical history, infection records, and vaccinations from a population-based vaccine registry. Blood samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and cellular immunity. We employed a doubly robust inverse weighted probability analysis to estimate the booster vaccine dose's impact on long COVID prevalence and symptom count. Results: 28.1% of participants met the WHO criteria for long COVID, with older individuals showing higher rates. Not complying with long COVID criteria associated with factors including O blood group, higher occupational status, physical activity, three vaccine doses, strong SARS-CoV-2-S-reactive IFNγ‐producing‐CD8+ response, and infection during the Omicron period. Conversely, increased age, high or low social activity, underlying health conditions, a severe initial COVID episode, and reinfection associated with higher long COVID likelihood. A booster dose, compared to one or two doses, reduced long COVID risk by 74% (95% CI: 56.4% to 91.7%) and symptom count by 55.2% (95% CI: 31.6% to 78.7%). Conclusion: Long COVID was prevalent in a significant portion of those who contracted COVID-19, underscoring the need for sustained follow-up and therapeutic strategies. Vaccinations, notably the booster dose, had a substantial beneficial effect on long-term infection outcomes, affirming the vaccination’s role in mitigating SARS-CoV-2 infection consequences.

Keywords

Long COVID; SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination; Booster Dose; Cellular Immunity; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Human.

Subject

Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services

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