As of February, most people in the U.S. had likely experienced COVID-19 infection and developed antibodies for the SARS CoV-2 virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to data released Tuesday, three out of four children in the U.S. had SARS CoV-2 antibodies and more than 57% of the general population had antibodies for the virus. Since asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 may not be reported, the CDC conducted a study of SARS CoV-2 seroprevalence, or of antibody prevalence, to determine how many people in the nation have been infected.
Of the 75% of children who had SARS CoV-2 antibodies, approximately one third became newly seropositive since December 2021, while the omicron variant surge was fueling COVID-19 case numbers in the U.S. Overall seroprevalence also increased from September to December of last year.
Age groups with the lowest vaccine coverage saw the largest case spikes from September of last year to this February, said the CDC. Lower seroprevalence among older adults who are at greater risk for severe illness from COVID-19 “might also be related to the increased use of additional precautions with increasing age,” said the centers.
From September to February, overall seroprevalence increased from around 33% to nearly 58%. During the same period, antibody prevalence increased from 44.2% to 75.2% for children ages 5 to 11, from 45.6% to 74.2% for children age 12 to 17, from 36.5% to 63.7% for adults age 18 to 49, from 28.8% to 49.8% for adults age 50 to 64 and from 19.1% to 33.2% for adults age 65 and older.
However, the CDC warned that increased seroprevalence does not necessarily lead to “herd immunity,” which occurs when a large portion of a community becomes immune to a disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“These findings illustrate a high infection rate for the omicron variant, especially among children,” said the CDC. “Seropositivity for anti-N antibodies should not be interpreted as protection from future infection.”
As of April 23, omicron and its subvariants still accounted for most COVID-19 infections in the U.S., according to CDC data.
Vaccination “remains the safest strategy for preventing complications from SARS-CoV-2 infection,” including hospitalization and death, said the centers. For those who already have antibodies, COVID-19 vaccination following infection provides additional protection against severe disease and complications.
Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are approved in the U.S. for people who are 5 years old or older. Booster shots are available for children age 12 and older and additional booster shots can be administered to people over 50 years old or those with certain immunocompromised conditions.
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