RISK PROFILES IN GERIATRIC COVID-19 PATIENTS: VACCINATION IMPACTS ON HOSPITALIZATION AND SURVIVAL DURING THE OMICRON WAVE

Introduction: The Omicron variant causes less severe disease than other variants. Although most patients experienced a mild course, an increase in hospitalizations and intensive care unit follow-ups was observed. The course of the disease was more severe, especially in the geriatric population. This study investigated the factors leading to hospitalization, intensive care needs, and mortality in older patients. Materials and method: Between October 2022 and March 2023, COVID-19 patients aged > 60 years were included in the study. Patients' demographic features, underlying diseases, initial symptoms, vaccinations, treatment, secondary bacterial infections, and COVID-19 history were investigated. Mortality rates at the hospital and after discharge were investigated. Results: Adding three or more mRNA vaccines to the vaccination schedule was associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization and intensive care unit admission. Patients with repeated vaccine doses had no mortality or intensive care unit follow-up, whereas unvaccinated patients had 13.3% mortality and 46.6% intensive care unit follow-up. 80-year-olds and older had higher mortality. The mortality rate of patients admitted to the hospital with a deteriorating general condition was considerably higher (28.8%) than that of other patients (5.4%). Patients with a COVID-19 history had fewer intensive care unit visits (10.25%). The mortality rate among hospitalized patients who did not receive molnupiravir was higher (40%) than that of those who received treatment (14%). Conclusion: Repeated vaccine doses, heterologus, and full-dose mRNA vaccination reduced mortality and hospitalization rates. Patients aged >= 80 have a higher risk of mortality. Molnupravir treatment significantly decreased the mortality rate.