Evolution of covid-19 at nursing homes from the second wave to vaccination

Description of a coordination program between primary care, geriatrics and public health

Abstract

Background: Nursing homes have suffered in a particularly pronounced way from the effects of COVID-19 so it is very convenient to know the evolution in them of the disease and the impact of SARS-CoV2 vaccination The objective of this study was to analyze COVID-19 pandemic evolution from the start of the second wave to the end of the vaccination campaign at the nursing homes. A coordination program between Primary Care and Geriatrics and Public Health services was activated.

Methods: 2,668 seniors were followed at 39 nursing homes. Data from new cases, active cases, mortality and place of treatment of COVID-19 were collected. A descriptive analysis was performed with the measurement of the absolute number of positive SARS-CoV-2 cases and the frequency distribution.

Results: Between August 7th 2020 and February 26th 2021, 30 outbreaks occurred at 21 nursing homes. 300 people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (11% of total residents). The daily average of active cases was 27,166 were hospitalized (55%). 66 patients died (22% of those infected), 54 of them (78%) at the hospital. 1,984 PCR tests were performed. The temporary profile of new cases did not follow a distribution “in waves” as in the community. Thirty-seven days after the start of the second dose of vaccination, there were no active cases until March 1st, when new cases were under study for possible vaccine leakage.

Conclusions: The incidence of COVID-19 at nursing homes after the first wave of the pandemic has apparently been lower. The transmission in these centers has followed a different distribution than at community. Mass vaccination has achieved the practical disappearance of the disease.