New phase of the seroprevalence study

L'Population Epidemiology Unit (UEP) of Department of Primary Care Medicine has been conducting a new phase of its major seroprevalence study, which began at the start of the pandemic, from the beginning of June until mid-July.

This study, which is part of the national research programme Corona Immunitasnational research programme, aims to assess the proportion of the population who have developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for COVID-19) over time. It involves participants carrying out a serological test (by taking a blood sample) and completing an initial questionnaire after creating an account on our Specchio-COVID19 platform.

More than 3,000 Genevans will take part in this new phase of the study, recruited at random either from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office register or from the Specchio-COVID19 cohort of participants.

Thanks to the public involvement of these people, the study will be able to update the seroprevalence rate in the Canton of Geneva, i.e. the number of people who have developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. It will also provide information on the rate of antibodies acquired through natural immunity and those acquired through vaccination, in people who have already been vaccinated.

This new phase involves the whole of the UEP team, as well as staff specifically recruited and trained for this study. In particular, paediatric nurses will be on hand, and special care will be provided for the children taking part.

Initial results are expected before the summer break.

• To see the evolution of the seroprevalence rate in the Canton of Geneva and at national level, read our article "An update on the immunity rate".