SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence and vaccine coverage from August to November 2021: A nationally representative survey in Mexico

Abstract

We aimed to estimate self‐reported vaccine coverage and SARS‐CoV‐2 anti‐N and anti‐S seroprevalence in Mexico overall and for five vaccine types. We used a nationally representative survey with 7236 dried blood spot samples for adults 18 years and older collected from August to November 2021. Anti‐N and anti‐S seroprevalence were estimated adjusting for the sensitivity and specificity of the immunoassay test. A multivariate Poisson regression model was used to estimate seroprevalence by vaccine type and by age group adjusting for confounders and test performance. Vaccination coverage was 74%, being higher in women compared to men, high socioeconomic status (SES) compared to low and middle SES, graduates compared to people with high school, and formal workers compared to other employment statuses. Anti‐N seroprevalence was 59.2%, compared to 84.1% anti‐S seroprevalence. Anti‐S seroprevalence was higher for vaccinated than unvaccinated participants. All vaccines were associated with more than 70% anti‐S seroprevalence, with the lowest being observed for CoronaVac and Ad5‐nCoV. Fully vaccinated participants over 60 years presented a lower seroprevalence (77.6%) compared to younger adults (91.1%), with larger differences for ChAdOx1 and CoronaVac vaccines. Between August and November 2021, three out of four Mexican adults had been vaccinated. Vaccination was associated with a higher positivity to anti‐S antibodies. While antibodies do not reflect immunity, our results suggest that booster doses should be offered to people over 60 years of age and to adults who received Ad5‐nCoV or CoronaVac as primary vaccination schemes.

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“…COVID-19 was the main cause of death in Mexico in the year 2021 (1) and the sixth cause of death in the general population in 2022 (2). Vaccination coverage against SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico was estimated to be 74% in 2021, according to a national seroprevalence study (3). On 22 September 2023, the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) announced a cease in the emergency use authorization of COVID-19 vaccines, which has caused concerns about a potential brand-specific vaccine shortage in Mexico (4).…”