@article{Quint_J-2025_194195,
title = {Immunocompromised individuals remain at risk of COVID-19: 2023 results from the observational INFORM study},
author = {Quint, J. and Dube, S. and Carty, L. and Yokota, R. and Bell, S. and Turtle, L. and Lu, Y. and Evans, K. and Justo, N. and Harley, M. and Peters, J. and Talarico, C. and McNulty, R. and Goios, A. and Taylor, S. and Evans, R.},
month = {jan},
year = {2025},
abstract = {Objectives We aimed to characterise COVID-19 severity, mortality and healthcare utilisation in immunocompromised individuals in England during 2023, using INFORM study data. Methods Retrospective cohort study (ISRCTN53375662) using pseudonymised electronic health records of individuals aged ≥12 years from a random 25% sample of England’s population. Over 1 January–31 December 2023, adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs; adjusted for age, sex, non-immunocompromising comorbidities) between immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised individuals for COVID-19-related hospitalisation, death, and healthcare utilisation were estimated. Results Immunocompromised individuals represented 4.0% of 12,056,685 individuals studied but accounted for 21.7% and 21.9% of COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths, respectively. Risk of severe COVID-19 was elevated for immunocompromised vs. non-immunocompromised; aIRRs: 2.04, 95% CI 1.95–2.14 (COVID-19 hospitalisation); 1.69, 95% CI 1.53–1.87 (COVID-19 death). COVID-19 vaccination was more likely in immunocompromised vs. non-immunocompromised (≥4 doses 72.6% vs. 29.8%). The aIRRs for COVID-19-related general practitioner consultations and accident and emergency/day case visits were 2.26 (95% CI 2.22−2.29) and 3.02 (95% CI 2.84−3.20), respectively, for immunocompromised vs. non-immunocompromised. Conclusions Beyond three years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, immunocompromised individuals remain disproportionately impacted from COVID-19 despite increased vaccination. These findings highlight a persistent need for additional COVID-19 interventions for immunocompromised populations.},
volume = {90},
issue = {3},
journal = {Journal of Infection},
publisher = {Elsevier},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106432},
}
