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SARS-CoV-2 transmission across age groups in France and implications for control

Author

Listed:
  • Cécile Tran Kiem

    (Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit, CNRS UMR 2000
    Sorbonne Université)

  • Paolo Bosetti

    (Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit, CNRS UMR 2000)

  • Juliette Paireau

    (Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit, CNRS UMR 2000
    French National Public Health Agency)

  • Pascal Crépey

    (Univ Rennes, EHESP, REPERES (Recherche en Pharmaco-Epidémiologie et Recours aux Soins))

  • Henrik Salje

    (Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit, CNRS UMR 2000
    University of Cambridge)

  • Noémie Lefrancq

    (Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit, CNRS UMR 2000
    University of Cambridge)

  • Arnaud Fontanet

    (Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit
    Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, PACRI Unit)

  • Daniel Benamouzig

    (Sciences Po - Centre de sociologie des organisations and Chaire santé - CNRS)

  • Pierre-Yves Boëlle

    (Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique)

  • Jean-Claude Desenclos

    (French National Public Health Agency)

  • Lulla Opatowski

    (Anti-infective evasion and pharmacoepidemiology team, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux
    Epidemiology and Modelling of Antibiotic Evasion (EMAE))

  • Simon Cauchemez

    (Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit, CNRS UMR 2000)

Abstract

The shielding of older individuals has been proposed to limit COVID-19 hospitalizations while relaxing general social distancing in the absence of vaccines. Evaluating such approaches requires a deep understanding of transmission dynamics across ages. Here, we use detailed age-specific case and hospitalization data to model the rebound in the French epidemic in summer 2020, characterize age-specific transmission dynamics and critically evaluate different age-targeted intervention measures in the absence of vaccines. We find that while the rebound started in young adults, it reached individuals aged ≥80 y.o. after 4 weeks, despite substantial contact reductions, indicating substantial transmission flows across ages. We derive the contribution of each age group to transmission. While shielding older individuals reduces mortality, it is insufficient to allow major relaxations of social distancing. When the epidemic remains manageable (R close to 1), targeting those most contributing to transmission is better than shielding at-risk individuals. Pandemic control requires an effort from all age groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Cécile Tran Kiem & Paolo Bosetti & Juliette Paireau & Pascal Crépey & Henrik Salje & Noémie Lefrancq & Arnaud Fontanet & Daniel Benamouzig & Pierre-Yves Boëlle & Jean-Claude Desenclos & Lulla Opatowsk, 2021. "SARS-CoV-2 transmission across age groups in France and implications for control," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-27163-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27163-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elizabeth J. Williamson & Alex J. Walker & Krishnan Bhaskaran & Seb Bacon & Chris Bates & Caroline E. Morton & Helen J. Curtis & Amir Mehrkar & David Evans & Peter Inglesby & Jonathan Cockburn & Helen, 2020. "Factors associated with COVID-19-related death using OpenSAFELY," Nature, Nature, vol. 584(7821), pages 430-436, August.
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