P02 COVID-19 vaccination uptake: overlapping risk with sexually transmitted infections. (16th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barbour, Alison; Noubani, Nur
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 98(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A25
• Page End: A25
• Publication Date: 2022-06-16
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-BASHH-2022.49
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: We know vaccine uptake varies by demographic group1. We considered behavioural associations between those who accepted vaccination and followed the social distancing guidelines. We compared those symptomatic patients with an acute sexually transmitted infection (STI) screens to those asymptomatic patients with a negative screen who may have been more likely to follow guidance and looked at STI rates. Methods: We reviewed vaccine uptake amongst patients diagnosed with an acute STI, defined as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, mycoplasma, trichomoniasis, LGV, primary herpes and primary syphilis. The clinic electronic patient record, NHS Summary Care Record (SCR) and London Care Record were investigated retrospectively. Uptake was compared to asymptomatic patients with negative results. Vaccine uptake was compared between the two groups. Results: 508 had acute STI, 388 had negative STI screens. 132/508 (27%) in acute STI group were fully vaccinated, and 132/388 (34%) in non-STI group. 2, 408/14, 424 (17%) had acute STI in 2019-2020, and 1, 383/9, 133(15%) in 2020-2021. There was a 2% drop in acute STI incidence. Discussion: Vaccine uptake was higher amongst those the negative asymptomatic patients compared to those with acute STI. Only a small drop in acute STI was observed, suggesting sexual contact outside of social bubbles. Further analysis is needed to determine if patient behaviours predisposing to STI acquisition are associated with reduced vaccine uptake, which in part may be due to perception of COVID risk.