Title: Evidence for and level of herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection: the ten-community study

Biography:

Andrew Jeremijenko did his medical education in Queensland. He is both a GP and a specialist in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He has also completed:Masters of Applied Epidemiology MAE, Certificate of Higher Education (Adult education), Masters of Health Administration MHA. Andrew has worked in Australia and overseas as:Chief Medical Officer Woodside, BP Medical Advisor, Indonesia, Coordinating Doctor, International SOS Jakarta, RFDS Port Hedland medical officer. Andrew has dealt with bomb victims, tsunami and earthquake victims and industrial accidents and explosions in Indonesia.

Abstract

Background Qatar experienced a large severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic that disproportionately affected the craft and manual workers (CMWs) who constitute 60% of the population. This study aimed to investigate level of immunity in communities within this population as well as infection exposure required to achieve herd immunity. Methods Anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was assessed in ten CMW communities between June 21 and September 9, 2020. PCR positivity, infection positivity (antibody and/or PCR positive), and infection severity rate were also estimated. Associations with anti-SARS-CoV-2 positivity were investigated using regression analyses.