Reinfection and post-vaccination infection by SARS-CoV-2 in nursing professionals: a prospective cohort study, Recife, 2020-2023.

Objective: To estimate the incidence and factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 reinfection and post-vaccination infection in nursing professionals.

Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive, and analytical cohort study conducted in Recife from March 2020 to January 2023, following 399 nursing professionals. The cumulative incidences of COVID-19 infection and reinfection were estimated with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Results: Among the participants, 71.9% (95%CI 67.3; 76.1) had SARS-CoV-2 infection; of these, 26.6% (95%CI 22.5; 31.1) were reinfected. Regarding the timing of infection, 46.4% (95%CI 41.5; 51.3) of participants were infected before the first dose of the vaccine. After the first dose, the incidence of infection decreased to 25.6% (95%CI 21.5; 30.1), highlighting the importance of vaccination. Nursing technicians were the category with the highest risk of infection. Women were at higher risk of infection and reinfection.

Conclusion: This finding of a reduced occurrence of infections among individuals vaccinated with at least one dose and with a history of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection reinforces the evidence base for hybrid immunity. However, despite the number of infections and reinfections among these professionals, further research is needed to systematize information on primary and recurrent infection cases in this population group, in order to enhance understanding of the phenomenon and improve surveillance processes, as well as prevention, control, and care measures targeting this professional category.