Nationwide estimates of SARS-CoV-2 infection fatality rates and numbers needed to vaccinate for COVID-19 vaccines in 2024 in Austria.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Post-pandemic years are characterized by widespread previous population immunization against COVID-19. Whether and for whom COVID-19 vaccinations are still justified is unclear. We use nationwide estimates of IFR and literature-derived estimates of vaccine effectiveness (VE) to calculate numbers needed to vaccinate to prevent one COVID-19 death (NNV) and for one life-year saved (LYS) in Austria in 2024.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, we calculate SARS-CoV-2 IFR during 2024 in Austria according to previously published wastewater-based infection estimates and available mortality data. Using literature-derived VE estimates, we calculate NNV to prevent one COVID-19 death and for one LYS in strata according to age groups, nursing home residency and vaccination

SUBMITTER: Riedmann U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12820916 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature