Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 11, 2021

Prevalence of Antibody Positivity to SARS-CoV-2 Following the First Peak of Infection in England: Serial Cross-Sectional Studies of 365,000 Adults

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  • The prevalence of anti-spike SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in England was 5% by the end of September 2020 (prior to the onset of vaccination campaigns), according to three cross-sectional national surveys with non-overlapping random samples undertaken between late June to September (n>365,000). The prevalence of detectable antibodies over the three rounds was 6%, 5%, and 4%. The highest prevalence and smallest overall decline (15% decline) in antibody positivity was in the youngest age group (18-24 years), while lowest prevalence and largest decline (39% decline) was observed in the oldest group (>74 years). Prevalence declined by 64% among those who did not report prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and by 22% among those with PCR-confirmed infection.

Ward et al. (May 2, 2021). Prevalence of Antibody Positivity to SARS-CoV-2 Following the First Peak of Infection in England: Serial Cross-Sectional Studies of 365,000 Adults. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100098