[The Suspected SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection Rate and Risk Factors in Daegu-Gyeongbuk Region].

The Daegu-Gyeongbuk has experienced an upsurge in cases of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections that have been attributed to the Omicron. In preparation for implementing preventative and control measures against reinfections, a study was conducted to analyze the incidence of suspected SARS-CoV-2 reinfections and the associated risk factors among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), reported in Daegu-Gyeongbuk, from January 20, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The suspected SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate in the region was 3.25% from the first suspected case in May 2021 until December 30, 2022. Notably, during the final four weeks of 2022 (4-31 December), the suspected SARS-CoV-2 reinfection rate increased to 13.60%. The study results indicated that the 6-11- and 12-17-year age groups (i.e., school students) had 1.65 times and 1.96 times higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, respectively, compared with that in the 18-49-year age group. The at-risk elderly population, aged 60 years and above, also demonstrated a 1.19 times higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection than that in the 18-49-year age group. Additionally, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection decreased by 58% for fully vaccinated individuals, 40% for those vaccinated with the first booster, and 51% for those vaccinated with a third booster, compared with the risk in unvaccinated individuals. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of regular administration of COVID-19 vaccines that have been modified according to the variants for school-aged children and elderly individuals aged 60 and above.