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Jama Bertollini 2021 LD 210038 1625860973.93201
Jama Bertollini 2021 LD 210038 1625860973.93201
Jama Bertollini 2021 LD 210038 1625860973.93201
jama.com (Reprinted) JAMA July 13, 2021 Volume 326, Number 2 185
arrival. The program still required a polymerase chain reac- We assessed whether vaccination (using the BNT162b2
tion (PCR) test to be performed on each passenger on arrival [Pfizer-BioNTech] or mRNA-1273 [Moderna] vaccines) and
at Hamad International Airport, Qatar’s international travel prior infection were associated with lower risk for test-
gate. We investigated the incidence of PCR-positive test ing PCR positive. PCR positivity in vaccinated persons and
results in arriving passengers. those with a documented prior infection was compared with
PCR positivity in those with no record of vaccination or
Methods | All PCR test data for residents arriving on interna- prior infection after one-to-one matching by age, sex, nation-
tional flights, regardless of departure country and vaccina- ality (>40 nationalities), and testing date to control for dif-
tion status, throughout the program (February 18-April 26, ferences in exposure risk2 and SARS-CoV-2 variant exposure.3
2021) were analyzed. TaqPath COVID-19 combo kits (100% Fully vaccinated was defined as at least 14 days after the
sensitivity and specificity; second dose before the airport PCR test. Reinfection was
Thermo Fisher Scientific 1 ) defined as the first PCR-positive swab at least 90 days after
Supplemental content are used for more than 85% a prior infection. Individuals with a PCR-positive swab less
of PCR testing in Qatar. PCR than 90 days before the airport PCR test and vaccinated
methods are detailed in the eMethods in the Supplement. persons who received only 1 dose or who did not present at
PCR test results, vaccination records, and related demo- least 14 days after the second dose before the airport PCR test
graphic details were retrieved from the integrated nation- were excluded.
wide digital health information platform that hosts the Frequency distributions and central tendency measures
national centralized SARS-CoV-2 databases, and which were generated. Associations with PCR positivity were inves-
includes all PCR testing and vaccination records in Qatar tigated using relative risks and associated 95% CIs and χ2 tests.
since the pandemic began (Supplement). Two-sided P ≤ .05 indicated statistically significant evidence
Figure. Study Selection of Persons Tested on Arrival at the Qatar Airport From February 18 to April 26, 2021
247 091 Without record of prior infection 247 260 Without record of prior infection 12 141 With record of prior infection
before PCR test before PCR test ≥90 days before PCR test
11 286 With record of prior infection 31 359 Had record of vaccination 2961 Had record of vaccination
before PCR test before PCR test before PCR test
10 092 Matched by sex, age, nationality, 7694 Matched by sex, age, nationality,
and PCR test date in each group and PCR test date in each group
Group 1 includes persons who received their second vaccine dose at least 14 the airport PCR test. Group 3 includes persons with no record of vaccination but
days before the airport polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Group 2 includes with a record of prior infection at least 90 days before the airport PCR test.
persons with no record of vaccination and no record of prior infection before
186 JAMA July 13, 2021 Volume 326, Number 2 (Reprinted) jama.com
Table. Associations of Vaccination and of Prior Infection With PCR Positivity on Arrival at the Airport
Among Residents of Qatar Returning on International Flights
for an association. Analyses were performed using STATA/SE Roberto Bertollini, MD, MPH
version 16.1. Hiam Chemaitelly, MSc
Variants were ascertained using viral genome sequenc- Hadi M. Yassine, PhD
ing of randomly collected PCR-positive specimens from arriv- Mohamed H. Al-Thani, MD
ing passengers.4 Abdullatif Al-Khal, MD
This study was approved by Hamad Medical Corporation Laith J. Abu-Raddad, PhD
and Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar institutional review boards
Author Affiliations: Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar (Bertollini, Al-Thani);
with a waiver of informed consent.
Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar (Chemaitelly,
Abu-Raddad); Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
Results | In total, 261 849 persons (75.1% male) were tested (Yassine); Infectious Diseases Division, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha,
using PCR for SARS-CoV-2 on arrival at the Qatar airport. Qatar (Al-Khal).
Median age was 33 years (interquartile range, 27-41 years). Of Corresponding Author: Laith J. Abu-Raddad, PhD, Weill Cornell Medicine–
Qatar, Qatar Foundation–Education City, PO Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
31 190 completely vaccinated individuals (group 1; 99.7%
(lja2002@qatar-med.cornell.edu).
with BNT162b2 and 0.3% with mRNA-1273) and 215 901 indi-
Accepted for Publication: June 1, 2021.
viduals with no record of vaccination or prior infection
Published Online: June 9, 2021. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.9970
(group 2), 10 092 could be matched, among whom PCR posi-
Author Contributions: Ms Chemaitelly and Dr Abu-Raddad had full access to all
tivity was 0.82% (95% CI, 0.66%-1.01%) and 3.74% (95% CI, the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and
3.37%-4.12%), respectively (Figure). accuracy of the data analysis.
Of 9180 individuals with no record of vaccination but with Concept and design: Bertollini, Al Thani, Al Khal, Abu-Raddad.
Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: All authors.
a record of prior infection at least 90 days before the PCR test
Drafting of the manuscript: Chemaitelly, Abu-Raddad.
(group 3), 7694 could be matched to individuals with no rec- Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: All authors.
ord of vaccination or prior infection (group 2), among whom Statistical analysis: Chemaitelly.
PCR positivity was 1.01% (95% CI, 0.80%-1.26%) and 3.81% Obtained funding: Al Thani, Abu-Raddad.
Administrative, technical, or material support: All authors.
(95% CI, 3.39%-4.26%), respectively (Figure).
Supervision: Bertollini, Al Thani, Al Khal, Abu-Raddad.
The relative risk for PCR positivity was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.17-
Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None reported.
0.28) for vaccinated individuals and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.21-0.34)
Disclaimer: Statements made herein are solely the responsibility of
for individuals with prior infection compared with no record the authors.
of vaccination or prior infection (Table). Additional Contributions: We acknowledge the data, viral genome sequencing,
Sequencing of 72 PCR-positive specimens from arriving and logistical efforts of the National Study Group for COVID-19 Epidemiology
passengers identified B.1.351 (beta; n = 32; 44.4%), B.1.1.7 including Fatiha M. Benslimane, PhD, Hebah A. Al Khatib, PhD, Hanan F. Abdul
Rahim, PhD, Gheyath K. Nasrallah, PhD, Houssein H. Ayoub, PhD (all with Qatar
(alpha; n = 20; 27.8%), B.1.617 (delta; n = 8; 11.1%), and
University); Peter Coyle, MD, Adeel A. Butt, MD, MS, Andrew Jeremijenko, MD,
“wild-type” strains (n = 12; 16.7%). Zaina Al Kanaani, PhD, Einas Al Kuwari, MD, Anvar H. Kaleeckal, MSc, Ali Nizar
Latif, MD, Riyazuddin M. Shaik, MSc (all with Hamad Medical Corporation);
Discussion | Vaccination and prior infection were associated with Patrick Tang, MD, PhD (Sidra Medicine); Mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari, MD
(Primary Health Care Corporation); and Hamad Eid Al Romaihi, MD
reduced risk for SARS-CoV-2 PCR test positivity in residents (Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar). None of these individuals were
of Qatar returning on international flights. Nevertheless, both compensated for their role in the study. We also acknowledge the
vaccine immunity and natural immunity were imperfect, with uncompensated administrative support of Adona Canlas, BSc (Weill Cornell
Medicine–Qatar, Cornell University); and Steven Aird, PhD (unaffiliated) for
breakthrough infections recorded. This highlights the need to
compensated English editing of a draft of the manuscript. We also acknowledge
maintain PCR testing for arriving travelers. the many dedicated individuals at Hamad Medical Corporation, the Ministry of
Limitations include ascertainment of infection history Public Health, the Primary Health Care Corporation, and the Qatar Biobank for
using records of previous PCR-positive results, thereby miss- their diligent efforts and contributions to make this study possible. We are
grateful for support from the Biomedical Research Program and the
ing those who had prior mild or asymptomatic infections but
Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Biomathematics Research Core, both at Weill
were never tested. Findings may not be generalizable to other Cornell Medicine–Qatar. We are also grateful for the Qatar Genome Programme
airports, regions, or domestic travel. for supporting the viral genome sequencing.
jama.com (Reprinted) JAMA July 13, 2021 Volume 326, Number 2 187
1. Thermo Fisher Scientific. TaqPath COVID-19 CE-IVD RT-PCR kit instructions national health plan, addressing this Medicaid core issue
for use. Accessed December 2, 2020. https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS- should be a priority, as we build on its many strengths.
Assets/LSG/manuals/MAN0019215_TaqPathCOVID-19_CE-IVD_RT-PCR%20Kit_
IFU.pdf
Patricia A. Gabow, MD
2. Abu-Raddad LJ, Chemaitelly H, Ayoub HH, et al. Characterizing the Qatar
advanced-phase SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):6233. doi:10.1038/
s41598-021-85428-7 Author Affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora.
3. Abu-Raddad LJ, Chemaitelly H, Butt AA; National Study Group for COVID-19
Vaccination. Effectiveness of the BNT162b2 Covid-19 vaccine against the B.1.1.7 Corresponding Author: Patricia A. Gabow, MD (patriciagabow@gmail.com).
and B.1.351 variants. N Engl J Med. Published online May 5, 2021. doi:10.1056/ Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None reported.
NEJMc2104974
1. Gee RE, Shulkin D, Romm I. A blueprint for comprehensive Medicaid reform.
4. National Project of Surveillance for Variants of Concern and Viral Genome JAMA. 2021;325(7):619-620. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.0013
Sequencing. Qatar viral genome sequencing data. Accessed May 6, 2021.
2. Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission. MACStats: Medicaid
https://www.gisaid.org/phylodynamics/global/nextstrain/
and CHIP Data Book. Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission;
December 2020.
COMMENT & RESPONSE 3. Kaiser Family Foundation. Status of state Medicaid expansion decisions:
interactive map. Published February 22, 2020. Accessed March 3, 2021. https://
Viewpoint on Comprehensive Medicaid Reform www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/status-of-state-medicaid-expansion-
decisions-interactive-map/
To the Editor The recent Viewpoint by Dr Gee and colleagues1
4. Kaiser Family Foundation. Medicaid waiver tracker: approved and pending
addressed 5 components that would improve Medicaid’s ad-
section 1115 waivers by state. Published February 25, 2021. Accessed March 3,
ministration and patient outcomes. However, 1 important as- 2021. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-waiver-tracker-
pect omitted from this article is the national standardization approved-and-pending-section-1115-waivers-by-state/
and uniformity of eligibility and benefits. 5. Guttmacher Institute. State family planning funding restrictions. Published
Medicare and Medicaid were enacted in 1965 with the March 1, 2021. Accessed March 3, 2021. https://www.guttmacher.org/state-
policy/explore/state-family-planning-funding-restrictions
similar intent to provide health care coverage, but with 1
critical difference—Medicare was a federal, uniform, stan-
dardized program and Medicaid was a federal-state combi- In Reply In response to our Viewpoint1 on Medicaid reform,
nation producing 56 different Medicaid programs (50 states; Dr Gabow discusses the need to establish and standardize eli-
Washington, DC; and 5 territories). This difference has enor- gibility criteria and benefits for beneficiaries in the Medicaid
mous individual and population implications. For example, program. We agree that the current variation across US states
while a single, male Medicare beneficiary, regardless of results in unequal access and services. As Gabow points out,
income, can retire from New York to Alabama and experi- the federal government currently specifies core requirements
ence no eligibility or coverage change, this is not true for a of the Medicaid program as a condition of receiving funding.
Medicaid beneficiary. If the latter man’s income exceeds States have broad flexibility regarding eligibility and benefits
133% of the federal poverty level, he would be eligible and other aspects of their programs. We believe that these
for Medicaid coverage and health care access in New York core Medicaid requirements should be strengthened and eli-
but would have no coverage and thus limited access in gibility systems should be bolstered to ensure that all benefi-
Alabama.2 As the Viewpoint1 authors mention, Medicaid dis- ciaries have equal access to medical care, including the
proportionately insures racial and ethnic minority popula- essential health needs of underserved populations. President
tions, and the majority of Medicaid beneficiaries are women. Biden’s administration has already sought to revise a number
Thus, this lack of national uniformity creates age, racial and of these state decisions with the intent of providing broader
ethnic, and gender disparities across the US, which affects a beneficiary protections, such as those that have imple-
range of health care needs, including care of pregnant mented strict work requirements, and has proposed to stabi-
women and their infants—a key reason for which Medicaid lize churn through initiatives such as buy-in programs, a pub-
was enacted. lic health insurance option, and premium subsidies, among
Recent examples of Medicaid geographic variability in- other possible solutions.
clude the adoption of Affordable Care Act–related Medicaid While standardizing additional federal oversight and
expansion3; the numbers of waiver requests for program strengthening core Medicaid requirements is appropriate, we do
changes, including work requirements4; and the coverage of believe it is important to maintain state flexibility in issues re-
family planning services.5 lated to optional benefits, provider payments, and delivery sys-
Given that Medicaid is the largest health care insurer in tems. This flexibility allows for Medicaid programs to support the
the US, why did the Viewpoint fail to discuss this lack of uni- specific geographic needs of each state and also allows for mod-
formity and the discrimination by age, race and ethnicity, els of innovation to be explored and implemented.
and gender that ensues? One reason may be that change
to Medicaid’s federal-state relationship appears difficult to Rebekah E. Gee, MD, MPH
accomplish in this climate of devolution. However, the first David Shulkin, MD
step in changing the seemingly impossible is to bring atten- Iyah Romm, BS
tion to the issue, as was done with tobacco regulation,
Author Affiliations: Health Care Services Division, Louisiana State University,
same-sex marriage, and legalization of cannabis. Until all New Orleans (Gee); Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Shulkin);
people in the US are covered with an efficient, equitable, and Cityblock Health, Brooklyn, New York (Romm).
188 JAMA July 13, 2021 Volume 326, Number 2 (Reprinted) jama.com