Use of Ebola Vaccine: Expansion of Recommendations of the …

Methods

During March 2020–November 2021, the Ebola Vaccine Work Group met at least monthly via conference call to review and discuss relevant evidence regarding expansion of recommendations to the two populations of interest using the Evidence to Recommendations framework.^†

SPTCs. SPTCs (formerly known as state-designated Ebola treatment centers) are health care facilities, designated by states, that intend to receive and can provide care for a patient with suspected or confirmed EVD for the duration of their illness (10). Currently, there are approximately 55 U.S. SPTCs, with 100–150 health care personnel at each facility. Upon the recommendation of the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists, the name “special pathogens treatment centers” replaced “state-designated Ebola treatment centers” because many of these centers have the capability to treat patients with other diseases in addition to EVD.

LRN facilities. LRN is a large network of laboratories throughout the United States; these facilities aim to rapidly respond to biologic and chemical threats and other public health emergencies. Within the LRN, there are currently 58 laboratories that have the capacity to test for Ebola virus, with up to 15 persons at each facility trained to perform the testing (11).

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices survey. A Knowledge, Attitude and Practices survey was distributed to personnel at both SPTCs and LRN facilities. The purpose of the survey was to measure EVD vaccine acceptability and sentiments in these populations. Survey questions assessed perceived severity of EVD and risk for infection, interest in receiving the vaccine, and concerns about the vaccine. SPTCs and LRN facilities were provided anonymous survey website links to a point of contact at each site. The survey was distributed to the SPTCs on October 14, 2020 and to LRN facilities on December 29, 2020 and remained open for both populations until January 22, 2021.^§

Vaccine efficacy and safety. The Ebola Vaccine Work Group relied upon Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence profiles, which provide detailed methods and results used to assess Ebola vaccine efficacy and safety.^¶ These profiles were presented at the February 26, 2020, ACIP meeting.