Assessing the Epidemiological Effects of COVID-19 Vaccination in Countries around the World: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Relevance. To maximize the success of COVID-19 vaccination, it is necessary to consider the sensitivity of population health not only to these specific exposures, but also to the inherent socioeconomic factors that can modulate the effectiveness of health interventions. Aims. To assess the relationships between infection, mortality and the fatality ratio from COVID-19 in the countries of the world with the proportion of vaccinated in the population, as well as the relationship of the epidemic situation on COVID-19 with the parameters of the well-being of the population based on a cross-sectional study. Materials and methods. Statistical analysis used the data of the portal Our World in Data as of 15/12/2021, as well as UNO data on human development. Results. The frequencies of infection and death were higher the higher the human development index of countries. The inverse correlation of vaccination rates with infection and mortality rates was typical only for countries with very high human development. In the same group of countries, the infection fatality rate was the lowest. Conclusion. The nature of the correlations between the level of vaccination and the parameters of the epidemic situation is not the same for countries with different levels of human development. Apparently, a number of socio-economic factors, including the integral level development of the country and the level of urbanization, can influence the effectiveness of vaccination.