Covid-19 infection in vaccinated individuals and its predictors in Karbala /Iraq

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)) is a serious disease has resulted in morbidity and mortality all over the world.

Objectives; This study aimed to assess clinical characteristics, severity and risk factors of breakthrough SARS- CoV-2 infection among vaccinated individuals in Karbala. 

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for three-months starting from March to May 2023 among 419 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who had vaccinated before the episode of the infection. Confirmed diagnosis was obtained from the date base of the hospitals, PHCCs and private clinics. -Collection of the various epidemiological and clinical data through direct interview or via telephonic call interviews with the patients using a structured validated questionnaire. SPSS was used for data statistical analysis, p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. 

Results: Among total 419 persons, two thirds were living in urban areas. The mean age was 35.5 +15.83 years, about 45% of them were in the age category of (25-50 years), nearly no sex difference, most of them were not smoker. majority of the sample received the primary series of the vaccine and only 12.4% took the booster dose. post vaccination infection was more among people in urban area than rural. Most of the sample received Pfizer vaccine and 4.8% mixed types of vaccine. post vaccination illness was mild in most patients. On applying binary logistic regression analysis. Adherence to preventive measures , Post vaccination time more than 6 months, Prior infection and vaccination status were the sole factors significantly associated with increased odds of breakthrough severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus.