Evaluation of Pre- and Post-Vaccination Coronavirus Disease 2019 Status of Emergency Ambulance Service Workers in Regional Province

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) status of emergency ambulance service workers, who were in front-line contact with patients during the COVID-19 epidemic, before and after the vaccination program was initiated (March 2020-July 2021). Methods: The variables gender, age, location of employment, role, COVID-19 diagnosis, immunization status, and contact with patients were evaluated among 223 Erzincan emergency ambulance service workers. Results: No significant differences in age, gender, and role in COVID-19-positive patient transfers (whether active or passive) were found between COVID-19-positive and negative healthcare workers. Moreover, there was a measurable decrease in COVID-19 cases after vaccination. Conclusion: In this study, which is one of the few investigations involving emergency ambulance service workers, 93.8% of the workers participated in the vaccination program and received 2 doses of the vaccine, and there was a measurable decrease in COVID-19 cases after vaccination. Multi-center studies may offer more statistically valuable results for this occupational group, which remained constantly active while the stay-at-home order was in place.