Epidemiological state, patient’s characteristics, and COVID-19 vaccination levels in Algeria

Abstract

Since the global spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19 disease, has been declared a “public health emergency of international concern” by the World Health Organization, epidemiological plans of control and investigation were established. In this study we aim to identify the epidemiological situation, mortality rates, and vaccination response in the population of Oum el Bouaghi, Algeria from March 2021 to March 2022. Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 confirmed cases, and vaccination data were collected from the Health and Population Directorate (HPD), as well as the COVID-19 unit in the Mohemed Boudiaf Public Hospital Establishment. The epidemiological profiles of the COVID-19 patients, along with cumulative number of people vaccinated depending on vaccine’s type were reported by numbers, percentages, curves and graphic histograms. The epidemiology of Covid-19 infection in Oum el Bouaghi, was similar to that recorded in many countries during the study period. It experienced two peaks, in August 2021 and in January 2022 which coincided with Delta and Omicron variants respectively. A total of 2068 COVID-19 cases were reported, with the average age of 54 and a female predominance (57%). Furthermore, people beyond the age of 40, especially over 65 years were the most hospitalized category (43% and 31% respectively), and presented the highest rate of morality (36% and 56% respectively).Among the 1510 hospitalized cases 169 (11%) patients passed away. They had a high profile of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases (high blood pressure/heart disease) 48% and diabetes 43%.Of a total of 84.047 people vaccinated, 59% were men, and 77% preferred Sinovac. People over 65 years had the highest vaccination rate (42%). People with chronic diseases accounted for 74% of the vaccinated population, clinicians and health professionals 7% and the rest of the population presented only 19%.In conclusion, People above 65 years with comorbidities appeared to be more susceptible to present the severe form of the infection. The quarantine adopted by Algeria and the strict precautionary measures has allowed the return to stability and a gradual reduction of positive cases. Additionally OEB had a medium participation in vaccination, with a dominance of people with chronic diseases. This perfectly meets the mechanism of COVAX and the indications of the Algerian High Authority of Health.