2800. Pragmatic Assessment of Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in the DoD (PAIVED): Influenza-Like-Illness Rates in Year 1

Abstract

BackgroundInfluenza-like illnesses (ILI) are common in military populations due to close living and working conditions, physical exertion, and exposure to novel viruses. The PAIVED trial aims to compare the effectiveness of 3 FDA approved influenza vaccines in active-duty military, retiree, and dependent populations, and will also provide information about the burden, impact, and severity of ILI.MethodsParticipants were enrolled in the 2018–2019 influenza season at 5 geographically diverse military facilities. Active duty, non-recruit military personnel, retirees, and dependents were randomized to receive influenza vaccine (egg-based, recombinant, or cell-culture derived) and then completed weekly electronic surveys throughout the influenza season. If a participant reported ILI symptoms during surveillance, 2 in-person visits with study personnel were scheduled for confirmed ILI. Nasal swabs and blood samples were collected for diagnostic and immunologic testing.ResultsAmong the 852 non-recruit participants enrolled in PAIVED, 25% were active military, 36% retired military, and 39% dependents. Almost half (48%) were female, and 72% were white, 15% African American, 6% Asian, 4% multiple races, and 3% unknown or other race. 788 participants (92%) responded to at least one surveillance questionnaire. Participants reported 407 ILIs (Figure 1), of which 160 met the study case definition. Between 12 and 28% of the participants experienced an ILI during the surveillance period, and 12 people experienced 2 ILIs. Most sites reported a median 2–3 days of fever/feverishness or chills and 3–4 days of reduced activity associated with an ILI episode. No viruses were detected in 58% of nasal swabs, 1 virus in 40%, and 2 viruses in 1% of swabs (Figure 2 for pathogen data).ConclusionDuring the period under study, ILIs were common with 1 in 6 participants experiencing a confirmed ILI, many of which were 6–8 days in duration. ILIs resulted in reduced activity, although few individuals reported missing work or school, a situation that could result in greater likelihood of transmission to others. Planned analyses will provide additional information about the pathogens responsible for these illnesses and help guide effective prevention policies in these populations. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.