Influenza Right Size Virologic Surveillance Project: Roadmap Exercise and Evaluation

Chester, Stephanie C

Monday, June 10, 2013

Exhibit Hall A (Pasadena Convention Center)

Stephanie C Chester , Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD

Rosemary Humes , Health and Human Services, Washington, DC

Kelly Wroblewski , Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD

Daniel Jernigan , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

Lynnette Brammer , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

Joseph Miller , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

Sarah Muir-Paulik , Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD

Peter Shult , Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Madison, WI

Julie Villanueva , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

Tricia Aden , Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD

Jane Getchell , Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD

BACKGROUND: Virologic surveillance is a key and complex component of the influenza surveillance system, informed by a variety of independent but related elements. Specific objectives of virologic surveillance include seasonal situational awareness and determination of virus strain prevalence, early detection of novel viruses or novel events, annual vaccine strain selection, and antiviral resistance monitoring. The CDC-APHL Right Size Influenza Virologic Surveillance project was undertaken to develop a statistical, systematic approach to determining the amount of testing and system requirements needed to support disease response and control efforts and policy decisions.

METHODS: A “road map” to achieving an effective virologic surveillance system has been drafted; the Influenza Virologic Surveillance Requirements Roadmap document describes the system requirements for sampling strategies, including sample size and representativeness, laboratory testing, quality systems and specimen referral, data management and funding resources. Tools to calculate sample sizes for specific surveillance objectives are included.

RESULTS: In December 2012, APHL and CDC sponsored a table-top exercise to evaluate the utility of the draft document, and assess the feasibility and benefit of incorporating proposed requirements into state virologic surveillance programs. Both epidemiology and laboratory representatives from fifteen states participated in the exercise.

CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes and key findings of the table-top exercise, including feasibility assessment, model sample size calculations and virologic surveillance best practices, will be described.

130 Influenza Right Size Virologic Surveillance Project: Roadmap Exercise and Evaluation