Given the rapid evolution of COVID-19 and its impact on those with compromised immune systems, it is imperative for the transplant community to quickly collect and update COVID-19 related data. Having access to COVID-19 vaccination status on bone marrow recipients and understanding immune responses will assist with making informed decisions regarding direct clinical care. This information will also help clinicians and researchers make informed policy decisions. For example, CDC advisors are looking for COVID-19 vaccination data on blood stem cell transplant recipients; however, collecting these data on existing OMB forms is not yet approved; therefore, this vital information has not been collected. The CDC could potentially use this information to make informed decisions regarding whether to issue any recommendations for this medically vulnerable population.
The SCTOD data collection changes must be captured and completed as soon as practical. HRSA would like to start requiring data collection no later than September 10, 2021. Given the rapid evolution of the COVID-19 public health emergency and its impact on immunocompromised patients, availability of new vaccines, and continual changes in vaccination recommendations, HRSA wants to leverage the required data collection platform of SCTOD to obtain vaccine information for all US allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.