In the period from 3 October 2022 through 2 November 2022, the risk of hospital admission for people over 60 who received the repeat vaccination against COVID-19 in the autumn round was about 2.7 times lower than for people who did not receive this vaccination, but were eligible to do so. The risk of ICU admission for people over 60 with a repeat vaccination in autumn 2022 was more than 2 times lower than for people who had had at least one previous vaccination.
From 19 September 2022 on, various target groups were invited to receive a repeat vaccination against COVID-19 with the updated vaccines. In the period from 3 October 2022 through 2 November 2022, the absolute number of hospital admissions was highest in the age groups between 60 and 90 years old. People aged 60 and older who received the repeat vaccination in the autumn round had a 60% lower risk of hospital admission in this period, compared to people who had received the basic series, booster or previous repeat vaccination against COVID-19, but had not received the repeat vaccination in autumn 2022. This is a relative risk difference (RRD) of -63%. The relative risk difference for ICU admission was -55%.
People who do not have the same vaccination status may also have differences in vulnerability (underlying health conditions) or the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections they have had. Therefore, a comparison of hospital and ICU admission rates between people with different vaccination statuses cannot be exclusively used to indicate vaccine effectiveness.
This is the first report on hospital admissions among people over 60 who received the repeat vaccination against COVID-19 in autumn 2022. Subsequent reports will also include RRD estimates for people under 60.
Everyone who has been invited to get a COVID-19 vaccination in the basic series, but has not yet done so, can still be vaccinated. In addition, since 19 September 2022, it is possible to get a repeat vaccination against COVID-19. This repeat vaccination in the autumn round is available to everyone aged 12 years and older who has at least completed the basic series of COVID-19 vaccinations. The vaccination is available from 3 months after the most recent COVID-19 vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection. The first invitations were sent to older people and people in medical risk groups, due to their higher risk of severe illness. Care workers who have contact with patients will also be invited. Since 26 October 2022, everyone aged 12 and older can get the repeat vaccination in the autumn round.