RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 P2-429 Prevalence of influenza A (H1N1) seropositivity in unvaccinated healthcare workers in Scotland at the height of the global pandemic
JF Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
JO J Epidemiol Community Health
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP A340
OP A340
DO 10.1136/jech.2011.142976l.59
VO 65
IS Suppl 1
A1 K Smith
A1 L Williams
A1 W Adamson
A1 S V Katikireddi
A1 P Dewart
A1 E Fletcher
A1 W Carman
A1 K Templeton
A1 F Denison
A1 P Warner
A1 D G Mackenzie
YR 2011
UL http://jech.bmj.com/content/65/Suppl_1/A340.2.abstract
AB Introduction Susceptibility of healthcare workers (HCW) to influenza is relevant in terms of sickness absence, productivity and onward transmission of infection from carer to patient, a particular issue with a novel influenza strain. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against the virus in unvaccinated healthcare workers in Lothian, south east Scotland during October- November 2009 (after the first wave of infection, but before the expected increase in cases over the winter period).Methods Unvaccinated employees (n=493) were recruited within days of the start date of the HCW vaccination programme and prior to most being vaccinated. Participants had a serum sample taken and completed a short questionnaire recording sex, age, occupation, and self-reported history of flu-like symptoms or illness since the start of the pandemic period. Serology specimens were analysed in the West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre in Glasgow using microneutralisation assays at a dilution of 1:40.Results The prevalence of seropositivity in HCWs mid-pandemic was 10.3% (95% CI 7.7 to 13.0%), which was higher than pre-pandemic HCW seropositivity rate by 3.7% (95% CI of increase 0.3% to 7.3%, p=0.048). Seropositivity rates for frontline and non-frontline HCWs were similar.Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study in the United Kingdom to quantify the level of seropositivity to influenza A(H1N1) in unvaccinated HCWs pre- and mid-pandemic. Only 10.3% of HCWs were seropositive for influenza A(H1N1) mid-pandemic, so the great majority were still susceptible to infection at the introduction of the vaccination programme.