The study aims to promote understanding of transmission and possible immunity associated with SARS-CoV-2 in the Waldensian population to support public health decisions.
Aim: To assess the proportion of the Vaud population infected and who have developed antibodies against the virus, as well as the proportion of asymptomatic individuals. To understand what are the factors of transmission and susceptibility to COVID-19.
Participants: More than 3'500 persons (including children from 6 months of age) randomly selected from the population register of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office.
Procedure: A first blood test for antibodies was performed in May-June 2020 for 759 participants. A second invitation for a new blood test was issued in November-December 2020 for all participants, except for children under 15 years of age. In mid-January 2021, new participants (15 years and older) were contacted. At the beginning of February 2021, blood samples were taken from 1081 Waldensians. In October 2021, 1639 new participants took part in the study. Home self-sampling kits were used.
At the same time, participants fill in a short weekly questionnaire on the possible appearance of symptoms related to the coronavirus, and a monthly questionnaire on the impact of the pandemic on their personal life. These questionnaires will be sent to participants until December 2021.
Study conducted by Unisanté, the university center for general medicine and public health in Lausanne - Vaud.
For more information: https://serocovid.unisante.ch/
