Combined COVID-19 vaccination and hepatitis C virus screening intervention in marginalised populations in Spain

BackgroundCOVID-19 has hindered hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV screening, particularly in marginalised groups, who have some of the highest rates of these conditions and lowest rates of COVID-19 vaccination. We assessed the acceptability of combining HCV testing with COVID-19 vaccination in a centre for addiction services (CAS) in Barcelona and a mobile testing unit (MTU) in Madrid, Spain.MethodsFrom 28/09/2021 to 30/06/2022, 187 adults from marginalised populations were offered HCV antibody (Ab) testing along with COVID-19 vaccination. If HCV Ab+, they were tested for HCV-RNA. MTU participants were also screened for HIV. HCV-RNA+ and HIV+ participants were offered treatment. Data were analysed descriptively.ResultsFindings show how of the 86 CAS participants: 80 (93%) had been previously vaccinated for COVID-19, of whom 72 (90%) had the full first round schedule; none had a COVID-19 vaccine booster and all received a COVID-19 vaccine; 54 (62.8%) were tested for HCV Ab, of whom 17 (31.5%) were positive, of whom all were tested for HCV-RNA and none were positive. Of the 101 MTU participants: none had been vaccinated for COVID-19 and all received a COVID-19 vaccine; all were tested for HCV Ab and HIV and 15 (14.9%) and 9 (8.9%) were positive, respectively; of those HCV Ab+, 9 (60%) were HCV-RNA+, of whom 8 (88.9%) have started treatment; 5 (55.6%) of those HIV+ had abandoned antiretroviral therapy, of whom 3 (60%) have re-started it.ConclusionsThe intervention was accepted by 54 (62.8%) CAS participants and all MTU participants and can be used in marginalised communities. Plain language summaryThe COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the numbers of people being screened to determine whether they are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) or HIV. This is particularly the case for marginalised populations, which include people with substance use disorders (e.g., injecting drug use), those who are experiencing homelessness, and those with mental health disorders. This study explored whether these populations were willing to be tested for HCV after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination in a centre for addiction services in Barcelona and a mobile testing unit (MTU) in Madrid, Spain. Those attending the MTU were also screened for HIV. Most participants were both vaccinated and tested for HCV and HIV, as applicable, when offered. Applying this approach more widely could improve healthcare reach among marginalised populations. Lazarus et al. offered hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV screening, alongside COVID-19 vaccination, to adults from marginalised populations. The combined intervention was accepted by over half of participants, identifying those who needed, and were offered, COVID-19 vaccination and HCV and HIV treatment.

Automated summary

This study assessed the acceptability of combining HCV testing with COVID-19 vaccination in marginalised groups in Spain. The majority of participants were willing to receive both the COVID-19 vaccine and HCV testing, suggesting that this approach could be effective in reaching and providing healthcare services to marginalised populations.