Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among US blood donors by industry, May–December 2021

Abstract

Background

Work is a social determinant of health that is often overlooked. There are major work-related differences in the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) infection and death, but there have been few analyses of infection rates across industry groups. To date, only one national assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence by industry based on self-report has been completed. No study has looked at seroprevalence of COVID-19 by industry.

Methods

During May–December 2021, blood donors with SARS-CoV-2 antinucleocapsid testing were sent an electronic survey about their work. Free-text industry responses were classified using the North American Industry Classification System. We estimated seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of SARS-CoV-2 infection by industry.

Results

Of 57,726 donors, 7040 (12%, 95% CI: 11.9%−12.5%) had prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Seroprevalence was highest among Accommodation & Food Services (19.3%, 95% CI: 17.1%−21.6%), Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction (19.2%, 95% CI: 12.8%−27.8%), Healthcare & Social Assistance (15.6%, 95% CI: 14.9%−16.4%), and Construction (14.7%, 95% CI: 13.1%−16.3%). Seroprevalence was lowest among Management of Companies & Enterprises (6.5%, 95% CI: 3.5%−11.5%), Professional Scientific & Technical Services (8.4%, 95% CI: 7.7%−9.0%), and Information (9.9%, 95% CI: 8.5%−11.5%).

Conclusions

While workers in all industries had serologic evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, certain sectors were disproportionately impacted. Disease surveillance systems should routinely collect work characteristics so public health and industry leaders can address health disparities using sector-specific policies.