Reis, Christopher

Vaccine hesitancy refers to the delay in accepting or refusing vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services. Well-conducted studies and trials reviewed in this article support methods both to prevent and manage vaccine hesitancy. Clinicians should know which vaccines their patients are due to receive and should use every encounter to address this issue. Research shows clinicians' recommendations increase vaccine uptake. Recommendations that patients perceive as stronger have a greater effect in increasing vaccine uptake. Using presumptive language to phrase the recommendation is more effective than presenting the vaccine conversationally as an option for the patient. When the patient counters the strong recommendation with hesitancy, the clinician should engage the patient with motivational interviewing, perhaps using a four-step process called the "Four A's".

Abstract Background 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene PCR and sequencing may serve as an adjunctive diagnostic tool in complex infections, identifying bacteria in patients on antibiotics whose cultures may be negative. Data on the optimal clinical settings for utilizing this type of testing are limited. This study reviews a single center's 16S rRNA PCR/sequencing experience in children to identify clinical syndromes and optimize specimen choice for higher yield, leading to testing of appropriate patients. Methods A retrospective study was performed at Mayo Clinic, Rochester involving children aged 0 to 18 years whose normally sterile tissue or fluid samples underwent 16S rRNA gene PCR/sequencing. The assay involved an up-front real-time PCR assay, reported as negative or submitted to Sanger or next-generation sequencing depending on Ct values. Data was collected on patient characteristics and results of 16S rRNA gene PCR/sequencing and conventional tests. Impact on clinical decision-making was assessed as to whether the advanced molecular diagnostic changed antimicrobial therapy. Results A total of 162 tests were performed on 124 patients, including 47% females (58/124) with a median age of 9.6 (range, 2.2-15.0) years. Overall, 33/162 (20%) of tests were positive in 24/124 (19%) patients. 58% of positive tests (19/33) were from samples with negative bacterial cultures. Cerebrospinal fluid was the most common specimen tested (n=38; 31%). Positive results were more likely from fluid compared to tissue samples (OR [95% CI]: 3.1 [1.3, 7.1], p=.007; OR [95% CI]: 0.3 [0.1, 0.8], p=.007, respectively). Testing was positive in 5/10 (50%) pleural fluids tested, a higher positivity rate than any other specimen type (OR [95% CI]: 5 [1.3, 19.0], p=.011). No significant changes in antibiotics were made within 24 hours of reporting positive 16S rRNA gene PCR/sequencing results. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate sample types for 16S rRNA gene PCR/sequencing in pediatric patients. The assay is most likely to yield positive results in children with pleural effusion and in other fluid samples such as subdural and synovial fluid. Further implementation science research is needed to achieve impact on clinical practice. Disclosures Robin Patel, MD, a patent on Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis PCR issued, a patent on a device/method for sonication with royalties paid by Samsung to Mayo Clinic, a: See above|MicuRx Pharmaceuticals and BIOFIRE: Grant/Research Support|PhAST, Day Zero Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Sysmex, DEEPULL DIAGNOSTICS, S.L., Netflix, Oxford Nanopore Technologies and CARB-X: Advisor/Consultant|Up-to-Date and the Infectious Diseases Board Review Course.: Honoraria

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 vaccination has been shown to prevent severe disease and subsequent secondary infections in immunocompromised patients. This study assessed the rate of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations among pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients at a single transplant center.Figure 1.SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status among pediatric solid organ transplant recipients for all ages and by age group. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of pediatric recipients of heart, kidney, and liver transplants at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN between January 2011 and December 2023. All SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses administered on or before April 1, 2024 were recorded. Up-to-date (UTD) status was based on current CDC recommendations for immunocompromised patients for each age group. Deceased patients, those no longer following at Mayo Clinic and whose vaccine records were unavailable were excluded. We also assessed whether patients had been seen by an ID physician in the year prior to collection stop date. Results The study included 136 patients: 48 kidney, 58 heart and 30 liver transplant recipients; 52.9% were male. Two patients subsequently received organs of a different type. Mean age was 16.1 years. Since authorization in 2020, 90 patients (66.2%) received at least one SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. This varied by age group, with 72.8% of > =12 year olds, 40.0% of 5-11 year olds and 62.5% of under 5 year olds (p = 0.007 [Figure 1]). Seventy-three patients (53.7%) completed at least three doses. Based on current recommendations that include the 2023-2024 formulation, 30 patients (22.0%) were UTD. This did not differ between age groups (p = 0.717) or by transplanted organ type (p = 0.21). Patients that saw ID were significantly more likely to be UTD (p = 0.001). Among partially immunized patients, 95% (n = 57) needed one additional dose to be UTD. Conclusion Despite simplified guidelines with fewer doses needed, a third of pediatric SOT recipients remain unvaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and only 22% are UTD based on current recommendations. The proportion of unvaccinated patients was highest in the 5-11 year old age group and lowest in the oldest. Those that recently saw ID were significantly more likely to be UTD. Our data suggest that continued care provided by ID physicians may increase vaccine uptake, but reasons for undervaccination and strategies to counteract this should be further explored within this vulnerable population. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

ABSTRACTIntroductionThere is a lack of data regarding SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination rates and tixagevimab‐cilgavimab (TC) uptake among pediatric solid organ transplant recipients. The purpose of our study was to assess these rates.Materials and MethodsWe reviewed vaccination records of pediatric recipients of heart, kidney, and liver transplants at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, who received a transplant between January 2011 and December 2021. All SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines and doses of TC received on or before September 1, 2022, the date of approval of the bivalent SARS‐CoV2 vaccine, were included. We also assessed whether patients had been seen by an infectious diseases physician (ID) in the preceding 6 months.ResultsOur study included 110 patients: 47 kidney, 36 heart, and 27 liver transplant recipients. All vaccine doses recorded were monovalent SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines. Sixty‐eight (61.8%) patients received at least one vaccine. This varied by age group, with f of ≥12 years olds, 40.9% of 5–11 year olds and 14.3% of under 5 year olds (p = 0.001). Seven patients (6.4%) were up‐to‐date (UTD) for age. There was no difference in UTD status by organ type (p = 0.335). Patients who saw ID were significantly more likely to be UTD (13.2% versus 2.8%; p = 0.047). Among those eligible, 14 (18.2%) received TC, with rates not different based on transplanted organ type (p = 0.158) or whether they saw ID (p = 0.273).ConclusionsDespite the availability of vaccines, nearly 40% of pediatric solid organ transplant recipients remained unvaccinated against SARS‐CoV‐2 at time of the bivalent vaccine release. Less than a fifth of eligible patients received TC. Strategies to increase uptake of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines as well as adjunctive agents among this vulnerable group should be further explored.

Abstract Background Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infections, both methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant (MSSA, MRSA), cause significant morbidity among infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Colonization usually precedes infection. We studied the molecular epidemiology of SA colonization in NICU infants using whole genome sequencing (WGS) and in relation to the opening of a new NICU with single-family rooms. Methods From 2019-22, a prospective cohort of infants admitted to the Level IV NICU at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN was screened twice weekly for SA colonization using cultures of nares/axilla/groin swabs. Infection control procedures were consistent throughout, including use of Contact Precautions for infants colonized with MRSA but not for MSSA. The study was divided into period 1 (1/1/2019-11/30/2020) and period 2 (12/1/2020-12/31/2022) due to a move from a 34-bed unit (26 beds in four open-bay rooms and 8 beds in single-family rooms) to a new 34-bed unit (all single-family rooms). WGS was performed using Illumina MiSeq instrumentation and chemistry with Illumina Nextera XT library chemistry. Assembly and core genome multilocus sequence typing analysis were performed with Ridom SeqSphere+ software. Groups of related isolates were identified based on the number of allelic differences (related 0-8 differences, possibly related 9-29 differences, unrelated ≥ 30 differences). Groups of MRSA-related isolates were compared with reference USA genotypes. Chi square tests did not adjust for clustering. Results There were 663 admissions in period 1 and 730 in period 2. The prevalence of MSSA and MRSA colonization was unchanged in the two periods (MSSA, 18.6% vs. 16.7%, p=0.37; MRSA 1.8% vs. 3.3%, p=0.08). By WGS, most MSSA and MRSA isolates were unrelated to another isolate in both periods (Table). Groups of related MSSA and MRSA isolates differed between the two periods and the number of isolates/group was small (< 6 isolates). Groups of related MRSA isolates were associated with reference genotypes USA100 (period 1), USA1000 (periods 1 & 2), and USA300 (period 2). WGS Results for MSSA and MRSA in Periods 1 and 2 Conclusion NICU infants were usually colonized with unrelated strains of MSSA and MRSA, with only small clusters of related strains. The new NICU was not associated with a change in MSSA or MRSA colonization. Disclosures Priya Sampathkumar, MD, Merck Vaccines: Advisor/Consultant Robin Patel, MD, Abbott Laboratories: Advisor/Consultant|Adaptive Phage Therapeutics: Grant/Research Support|Adaptive Phage Therapeutics: Mayo Clinic has a royalty-bearing know-how agreement and equity in Adaptive Phage Therapeutics.|BIOFIRE: Grant/Research Support|CARB-X: Advisor/Consultant|ContraFect: Grant/Research Support|Day Zero Diagnostics: Advisor/Consultant|HealthTrackRx: Advisor/Consultant|Mammoth Biosciences: Advisor/Consultant|Netflix: Advisor/Consultant|Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Advisor/Consultant|PhAST: Advisor/Consultant|See details: Patent on Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis PCR issued, a patent on a device/method for sonication with royalties paid by Samsung to Mayo Clinic|See details: continued, patent on an anti-biofilm substance issued|TenNor Therapeutics Limited: Grant/Research Support|Torus Biosystems: Advisor/Consultant|Trellis Bioscience, Inc.: Advisor/Consultant W. Charles Huskins, MD, MSc, ADMA Biologics: Advisor/Consultant|Bristol Myers Squibb: Stocks/Bonds|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds|Zimmer Biomet: Stocks/Bonds

Abstract Background Vaccine preventable infections (VPIs) are a significant cause of hospitalizations and morbidity and mortality for pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. In this single-center study, we assessed up-to-date (UTD) status of routine childhood immunizations among our institution’s pediatric SOT recipients. Methods We collected immunization data on all pediatric patients who underwent liver, kidney, or heart transplants between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2021 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN by retrospectively reviewing electronic medical record data. We also assessed whether patients were evaluated by a pediatric infectious diseases (PID) specialist within 1 year of transplant. Immunization status was determined using the CDC child and adolescent immunization schedule, excluding seasonal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 immunizations. Results A total of 143 patients were included in our study (n = 45 liver, 54 kidney, 44 heart recipients); 49.7% were male. At the time of transplant, 39 patients were considered UTD (27.3% [Figure 1]). There was no difference by organ type (p = 0.59) and whether patients had seen PID prior to transplant (p = 0.17). Excluding live viral vaccinations, 45 patients were UTD (31.5%). Human papillomavirus was the least UTD vaccine series (Figure 2). Most patients were not UTD in just one or two series (Figure 1). A significant difference in UTD status was found based on age at transplant (p = 0.03), with younger patients having higher rates of UTD status (mean age 7.1 [SD 5.75] vs 9.9 [SD 5.92] years).Figure 1.Vaccination status of pediatric SOT recipients at time of transplant and number of incomplete series.Figure 2.Vaccination status by series for eligible pediatric SOT recipients. Conclusion To date, this study is the largest cohort of pediatric SOT recipients of three organ types assessing routine childhood vaccination status. In this single-center cohort spanning 11 years, we found that less than a third of patients were UTD on routine childhood immunizations at the time of transplant. While some immunizations can be given post-transplant, every effort should be made to update vaccines among transplant candidates to optimize efficacy and protection, thereby reducing the consequences of VPIs within this vulnerable population. Further studies are needed to address reasons for under-immunization and develop strategies to improve vaccination rates. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures