December 21, 2021

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is actively monitoring COVID-19 breakthrough cases (cases occurring among fully vaccinated persons) that occur in our state. This report displays data on the breakthrough cases reported to DPH. Cases may be reported through multiple sources including electronic lab reporting (ELR), entered directly into the State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (SendSS), faxed case reports, and calls from providers to DPH.

Definitions and Methods

• COVID-19 breakthrough case definition:

  • A Georgia resident meeting the below criteria:

  • SARS-CoV-2 RNA (PCR) or antigen detected from a respiratory specimen AND
    

  • Specimen collected ≥ 14 days after completing the primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., completed two doses in a two-dose series OR one dose in a one-dose series) AND
    

  • No positive COVID-19 positive laboratory test (RNA [PCR] or antigen positive) within the 90 days prior to the current positive test

• COVID-19 breakthrough case definition for fully vaccinated individuals with an additional/booster dose:

  • A Georgia resident meeting the below criteria:

  • SARS-CoV-2 RNA (PCR) or antigen detected from a respiratory specimen AND
    

  • SARS-CoV-2 RNA or antigen detected on a respiratory specimen collected in a fully vaccinated person ≥14 days after receipt of a booster or an additional dose of any COVID-19 vaccine on or after August 13, 2021

  • No positive COVID-19 positive laboratory test (RNA [PCR] or antigen positive) within the 90 days prior to the current positive test

  • Note: This group is comprised of individuals receiving their COVID-19 booster doses as well as immunocompromised individuals receiving their additional COVID-19 dose after their primary series.

• Fully Vaccinated: The number of Georgia residents who completed the primary series of an FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine was obtained from the Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS)

• Fully Vaccinated with an additional/booster dose: The number of Georgia residents who were fully vaccinated and received an additional or booster dose on or after August 13, 2021 was obtained from GRITS

• Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated: The number of Georgia residents who did not complete the primary series was obtained by subtracting the number of fully vaccinated (including those with additional/booster doses) from the 2020 Georgia population

• Deaths: A COVID-19-associated death is one where COVID-19 was the cause of death or a significant contributor to death. Evidence of COVID-19 as the cause of death or significant contributor to death is determined though review of medical records, family interviews, and/or vital records.

• Hospitalized: Hospitalized individuals are those who were hospitalized for any reason and tested positive for COVID-19. They were not necessarily hospitalized due to COVID-19.

• Incidence Rate Estimates: Weekly incidence rates by vaccination status were calculated as the number of cases or deaths divided by the number of people either fully vaccinated (cumulative) or unvaccinated/partially vaccinated (obtained by subtracting the number of fully vaccinated from the 2020 Georgia population) and multiplied by 100,000. Rates are not adjusted for time since vaccination, underlying conditions, or other demographic factors. All rates are plotted by positive specimen collection date to reflect when incident infections occurred.

• Increased risk of infection or death among individuals who are unvaccinated/partially vaccinated: risk among unvaccinated/partially vaccinated divided by the risk among fully vaccinated individuals

• Monthly risk of infection or death: weekly average number of cases or deaths among unvaccinated/partially and fully vaccinated individuals, divided by number of unvaccinated/partially and fully vaccinated individuals that week.

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In November*, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated persons had:

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Compared to fully vaccinated persons

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*Includes MMWR weeks 44 to 47