Eastern Switzerland
Seroprevalence increased significantly
The recruitment of participants for study phase 4 in St. Gallen and Graubünden has been largely completed. The test results of the available blood samples have already been communicated to the study participants. The first results on seroprevalence show that the proportion of individuals with antibodies has increased significantly compared to the last study phase. In adults, this is mainly due to the vaccinations.
Winterthur
Second data collection completed
Winterthur completed the second data collection phase (April 26 - June 25, 2021). This involved 321 of the 420 adolescents and young adults aged 15 - 25 who had already participated in the first data collection and who were randomly selected from all schools and the local departments of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). Currently, the data is being analyzed.
Lucerne
58% of the population in the canton of Lucerne with antibodies
The second phase in the canton of Lucerne has now also been completed (as of July 2021). All test results from the over 600 study participants have been communicated to the participants. Through statistical analysis of these results, it was determined that approximately 58% of the population in the Canton of Lucerne has SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (immunoglobulin G). These results are representative of the population of Canton Lucerne and include those who have already received one or two vaccine doses at the time of the study. Broken down by age group, it can be seen that among those 65+ years of age, 91% have antibodies, which may be indicative of the vaccination strategy. In the younger age group, it is significantly less (50%). This may be related to the fact that the wide availability of vaccines in the canton of Lucerne was only from mid-May. You can find more information here.
Basel
Seroprevalence is 79%
COVCO-Basel has completed phase 4 of the antibody study. The results of 603 individuals have already been evaluated. The proportion of the population with antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (seroprevalence) is 79 % in the Basel region (as of early August).
The seroprevalence by canton, population group and gender is as follows:
- All population groups: 80% (BL), 77% (BS)
- 20-64 year olds: 79% (BL), 71% (BS)
- 65-year-olds and older: 90% (BL), 95% (BS)
- Women: 77% (BL), 77% (BS)
- Men: 83% (BL), 76% (BS)
In a video, study director Nicole Probst-Hensch explains the broader context of the COVCO-Basel study, including the role of housing in the COVID-19 pandemic: https://youtu.be/GJD9OiTGdd4
More info: www.covcobasel.ch
Zurich
Child study goes into the next round
Corona Immunitas Zurich has completed the 4th testing phase. Seroprevalence in 20-64 year olds is 75% and in 65+ year olds 93%. The Zurich Coronavirus Cohort Study and Zurich Coronavirus Vaccination Study team is busy with data analysis. Here you can find first results.
Fribourg
Over 70% show antibodies
The fourth wave of Corona Immunitas Fribourg is close to completion. Preliminary results from around one half of current participants suggest that the number of people in Fribourg with antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in their blood has risen to over 70%. This is a big increase from previous results of 8% (October 2020) and 19% (December 2020). Final results are expected for later this year. We thank all the participants that have made this study possible.
Bern
On the home stretch
In Bern, the 4th test phase continues. The team has already recruited more than half of the participants and will continue in September to reach the goal of 600 participants. The blood collections will take place both at the Inselspital in the city of Bern and throughout the canton with the Corona Immunitas test bus.
Wallis
Ready to start
The contracts for the team in Valais have been signed. The first test phase in the canton will take place in the fall.
Nestlé
Second data collection completed
The longitudinal Corona Immunitas Nestlé study has completed its second data collection. A total of 284 participants had a second blood test between May and July 2021. The results are currently being analyzed.
Vaud
New recruitment phase
The next round of blood collection in the Serovid study will take place this fall, with a new group of people invited to participate. This time, the blood will be drawn at home at the fingertips.
Your participation in the questionnaires is as important as ever!
Since last month, the frequency of questionnaires has been reduced to twice a month. Participants now receive a brief questionnaire about the symptoms of COVID-19, alternating every two weeks with a more detailed questionnaire that includes questions about vaccination and the impact of the pandemic on their daily lives.
When we launched SeroViD in April 2020, we did not think the study would still be running today. However, the epidemiological situation has developed in such a way that the study still provides valuable data for policy makers and the general public. The questionnaires are particularly interesting because people from different cantons in Switzerland are repeatedly interviewed, so that a development over time can be observed. In this way, we obtain reliable information and public health measures can be adjusted if necessary.
We thank you again for your commitment!
Ticino
Results of the 4th test phase
Corona Immunitas Ticino has completed the 4th test phase of the study. 885 participants came for a blood sample, which was serologically tested between June and July 3, 2021. The overall prevalence in Ticino was 73%, with clear differences between age groups. These are due to the vaccination coverage and to the different status of the vaccination campaign in the different age groups. However, the results underline the importance of vaccination, which contributes significantly to reducing susceptibility to infection.
Differences between the age groups
Antibodies could be detected in the blood of 72% of adults aged 20-64 and 96% of those over 65. In children and adolescents, the figure was 39%, i.e. no antibodies to the virus could be detected in 61% of the youngest participants. The very high proportion of older people with antibodies is mainly explained by the very high vaccination coverage rate in this age group. The elderly population can now be considered well protected thanks to vaccination, which is confirmed by the decrease in infections and hospitalizations in this age group. For more information on the results of this phase and comparisons with previous phases, see: https://www.corona-immunitas.ch/it/
Next project steps
A little more than a year after the launch of Corona Immunitas Ticino, the team is renewing the invitation to continue participating in the digital follow-up to monitor the impact of the coronavirus on the population of Ticino and the evolution of the immune response to the virus in the age groups involved in the project. In this way, it will be possible to also identify long-term health effects and analyze a wide range of socioeconomic, psychological, and cultural impacts. It should be noted that the questionnaires have recently been adapted and their frequency reduced. They are faster to complete and the questions are more related to the current situation.
