Results from the Directorate of Disease Control and DeCOVID-19 Genetic Analysis in Iceland

In early April 2022, a study was conducted in the capital area, investigating the spread of COVID-19 among individuals 20-80 years old. The study was a collaboration between the Chief Epidemiologist and DeCODE genetics aimed at determining how large a proportion of adults had become infected with COVID-19.

To test the ongoing transmission of COVID-19, antibodies to the virus were measured and the presence of the virus in the nasopharynx was also assessed with a PCR test. 916 individuals participated in the study.

The results of the study showed that around 70-80% of younger people (20-60 years old) had been infected with COVID-19 in early April 2022, but rather fewer older individuals had signs of previous infection or 50% of individuals aged 60-80 years. Individual results will be sent to the person in question in the coming days.

This information reinforces the hypothesis that widespread resistance to COVID-19 has now been achieved in the community and also supports the decision of the Chief Epidemiologist to offer a fourth dose of vaccine to individuals 80 years of age and older.

The Chief Epidemiologist