Differences in characteristics and outcomes of older patients hospitalized for COVID-19 after introduction of vaccination

• Published in: European geriatric medicine 2024-06, Vol.15 (4), p.941-949
• Main Authors: Smits, Rosalinde A. L., van Raaij, Bas F. M., Trompet, Stella, van der Linden, Carolien M. J., van der Bol, Jessica M., Jansen, Steffy W. M., Polinder-Bos, Harmke A., Willems, Hanna C., van de Glind, Esther M. M., Minnema, Julia, Tap, Lisanne, Mooijaart, Simon P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Geriatrics/Gerontology; Internal Medicine; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Research Paper
• ISSN: 1878-7649; 1878-7657; 1878-7657
• DOI: 10.1007/s41999-024-01002-0

Key summary points Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in characteristics and outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated older patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection. Findings Compared to older unvaccinated patients hospitalized for COVID-19, vaccinated patients were frailer, had more comorbidities and, independent of these factors, a three times lower risk for in-hospital mortality. Message Although being frailer, vaccinated older patients have a lower risk of in-hospital mortality than unvaccinated patients. Purpose The aim of the present study was to investigate characteristics and outcomes in vaccinated and unvaccinated older patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection. Methods A retrospective multicentre cohort study among patients aged ≥70 years hospitalized for COVID-19 infection. Results 263 vaccinated and 82 unvaccinated patients were included. Vaccinated patients were older (median age 79 vs. 76 years; p