Tracking the burden, distribution, and impact of Post-COVID conditions in diverse populations for children, adolescents, and adults (Track PCC): passive and active surveillance protocols
Authors: Jones Resa M. , Andrews Jennifer G. , Dalton Alexandra F. , Dixon Brian E. , Dzomba Bari J. , Fernando Shane I. , Pogreba-Brown Kristen M. , Ortiz Miguel Reina , Sharma Vinita , Simmons Nicole , Saydah Sharon H. ,   for the Track PCC Study Group, Slen Joshua , Smith Lillian , McComack Joanna , McCullough Mac , Young Brian , Arora Megha Khatri , Epstein Rebekah , Figueroa Ralph , Mahotiere Terry , Miller Kathryn , Barrett Lori , Dahlquist McKenna , Busch Dolores , Edinger Tracy , Garcia Pablo , Gibson Richard , Hallvik Sara , Sim Emily , Flessner Christian , Forsythe Navina , Johnson Maria , McLelland Ryan , Sorenson Joseph , Ayllon Fatima , Feiler Marina Oktapodas , Fukuhara Matthew , Mishkin Aaron , Phan Thanh T. D. , Rajaeebaygi Mehdi , Sinha Radhika , Turella John , Wang Weiting , Wiedefeld Lucie , Yucel Recai , Robinson Susan , Benavides Argelia , Bessey Kate , Brady Shane , Catalfamo Collin , Carr Dametreea , Collins Clancey , Cordova-Marks Felina , Ernst Kacey , Farland Leslie , Gracia-Filion Pamela , Frost Scott , Heslin Kelly , Jacobs Elizabeth , Lauro Priscilla , Nuno Velia , Pettygrove Sydney , Pilling Vern , Robinson Susan , Shilen Alexandra , Subbian Vignesh , Grannis Shaun , Allen Katie , Buelow Lauren , Buck Aaron , Duszynski Tom , Fadel William , Franks Zamal , Griffith Ashley , Myers Laura J. , Price John , Wiensch Ashley , Xu Hiping , Agedew Abe , Edwards Deja , Koumas Emily , Slaughter Douglas , Sullivan Elizabeth , Wyche Tracy , Brinkley Jason , Brummer Tana , Desale Sameer , Devlin Rebecca , Harpole Charles , Hunt Danielle Rentz , Jeddy Zuha , Poe Brandon , Pickett Steve , Sewell Erica , Sokol Brian , Stein Karen , Thomas Joseph 
Published: August 2024

Background

Track PCC includes five geographic surveillance sites to conduct standardized population-based surveillance to estimate and track Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) by age, sex, race/ethnicity, geographic area, severity of initial infection, and risk factors among persons with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (based on the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologist [CSTE] case definitions for confirmed cases or laboratory-confirmed evidence of infection).

Methods

The study will estimate the incidence, prevalence, including temporal trends, and duration and severity of PCC symptoms, among children, adolescents, and adults. PCCs include a broad range of symptoms and conditions that continue or develop after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 illness. Surveillance includes both passive and active components for diverse populations in Arizona, Indiana, and Utah as well as the Bronx Borough, NY, and part of Philadelphia County, PA. Passive surveillance will utilize electronic health records and health information exchanges within each site catchment area to longitudinally follow persons with COVID-19 to estimate PCC occurring at least 30 days after acute COVID-19 illness. Active surveillance will utilize self-report of PCCs from detailed surveys of persons ages 7 years and older with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the past 3 months. Respondents will complete follow-up surveys at 6-, 12- and 18-months post-infection.

Discussion

These data can help identify which groups are most affected by PCC, and what health differences among demographic groups exist, as well as indicate potential barriers to care. These additional levels of granularity can inform public health action and help direct needed clinical care for patients.