COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination Among Healthcare Workers in a South African Academic Hospital: Burden, Risk Factors, and Protective Trends

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at occupational risk from COVID-19. Understanding the profile of infected HCWs is important to guide workplace protections. Objectives: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of HCWs infected with COVID-19 and to examine factors associated with vaccination status among infected HCWs. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional, using medical records from health workers working in a tertiary teaching facility in Gauteng, South Africa, from 12 May 2021 to 11 May 2022. The data were analysed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 1235 HCW records were included. The age ranged from 17 to 64 years. The median age was 38 years (IQR: 32–48). Nurses accounted for the largest proportion of cases, followed by healthcare assistants and physicians. Female sex, older age, and comorbidity were associated with higher odds of being vaccinated among infected HCWs. Conclusions: This study provides a descriptive profile of HCWs infected with COVID-19 during the third and fourth wave transition in South Africa. The findings highlight demographic and clinical factors linked to vaccination status among infected HCWs and underscore the continued need for infection prevention and control measures to protect frontline staff.