The goal of this study is to build a better understanding of how widespread COVID-19 is in Canada among our most vulnerable and high-risk populations, as well as the effectiveness and safety of currently approved COVID-19 vaccines. To achieve this overarching goal, we will:
1
Collect dried blood spot samples from nearly 8,000 long-term care residents and workers across three provinces – Québec, Ontario and British Columbia
2
Measure the presence of antibodies against COVID-19 in the blood samples
3
Determine the risk factors that increase the likelihood of a SARS-CoV-2 infection, re-infection and serious outcomes from COVID-19
Findings from this research will show how various immunity factors,
such as antibodies, react to COVID-19 and to the COVID-19 vaccines.

Why our study is important...

Long-term care homes across the world have been gravely impacted by COVID-19. In Canada, approximately 60% of the deaths related to COVID-19 were in long-term care homes. Residents in long-term care homes are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, given their advanced age, reduced immune system capacity, and multiple underlying health conditions. Individuals who work in long-term care homes also face an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19.

The Government of Canada, via its COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF), has funded several studies - spanning Halifax to Vancouver - to investigate various aspects of immunity and people’s response to vaccines within long-term care homes. This project includes long-term care home residents and workers in Québec, Ontario and British Columbia.

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