Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey, Cycle 2: SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Sequences

This public use microdata file (PUMF) provides researchers access to data on the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 lineages detected in the Canadian provinces between May and September 2022. Samples were collected as part of the Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey (CCAHS), Cycle 2. The PUMF consists of a subset of participants of the CCAHS who submitted a positive PCR saliva sample over the course of the collection of the survey. The PUMF contains select demographic information including sex at birth, age group, province and the week of collection. The file also contains SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences and its associated data.
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The source survey for this PUMF, the CCAHS, Cycle 2, collected information in two parts. The first part is an electronic questionnaire about general health and exposure to COVID-19. The second part is two self-administered sample collections; an at-home finger-prick sample collection called a dried blood spot (DBS) sample, which was used to measure the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from vaccination or prior infection. The second at-home collection was a saliva sample which was used to determine if there was a recent or current SARS-CoV-2 infection at the time of sampling, by testing for viral material in the sample using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Participants were asked to complete both sample collections as soon as possible after the questionnaire.
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The data can be used to:
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<li>Estimate how many Canadians test positive for antibodies against COVID-19. By using each participant's DBS samples combined with their survey responses, we can determine how many Canadians have antibodies against COVID-19 due to infection, vaccination or both.</li>
<li>Provide a platform to explore emerging public health issues;</li>
<li>Assist in the development of programs and services to respond to the needs of the current pandemic.</li>
<li>Identify the estimated prevalence of infection on any given day during May to August 2022 in Canada.</li>
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