Background The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has thus far resulted in substantial worldwide mortality. As of November 2020, COVID-19 vaccines became available following Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) issued by the FDA. Recent longitudinal studies published as of March 2021 demonstrated that vaccine hesitancy remains high despite improvements compared to 2020. This study sought to explore the perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge surrounding COVID-19 and identify determinants uniquely associated with vaccine hesitancy. Methods A cross-sectional electronic survey was created based on CDC & IDSA recommendations. The survey was distributed from March 2021 until June 2021 randomly to faculty members, healthcare workers, and students (≥18 years old) across 3 major academic centers (Case Western Reserve University, Spectrum Health, and the American University of Beirut Medical Center [AUBMC]). Data collected included socio-economic characteristics, demographics, knowledge, and attitudes pertaining to COVID-19 and vaccination. A multivariable regression model was utilized to evaluate for independent associations between variables and vaccination willingness/hesitancy as the primary outcome. Results In total, 7,197 participants completed the survey with an overall response rate of 94%. Females constituted 75.7% of the study population. Overall, 87.8% of the study cohort indicated willingness to get vaccinated. Factors associated independently with vaccination hesitancy included: younger age, lower attained education, lower knowledge score, physician recommendation against vaccination, not receiving the influenza vaccine annually, and other beliefs and attitudes as reported in table 1. Table 1. Independent predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among study respondents Conclusion Most survey respondents indicated willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The perception or belief that vaccination is more harmful than COVID-19 disease represented an especially robust barrier against vaccination. Since recommendations made by healthcare providers were strongly associated with either vaccination hesitancy or willingness to get vaccinated, developing educational strategies at this level could enhance vaccine acceptance in an effort to curb the pandemic. Disclosures Robert A. Bonomo, MD, entasis (Research Grant or Support)Merck (Grant/Research Support)NIH (Grant/Research Support)VA Merit Award (Grant/Research Support)VenatoRx (Grant/Research Support)

Background Despite advances in microbiologic techniques, for patients with complex infections it often remains a challenge to identify the causative infectious pathogen. Traditional cultures (Cx) may fail to grow microorganisms due to inadequate sampling, prior antibiotic use, or the inherent insensitivity of culture methods for fastidious pathogens. Molecular tests allow for the detection of microbial nucleic acids directly from clinical specimens and do not require the presence of viable organisms for identification. Universal polymerase chain reaction testing (UPCR) is offered though the University of Washington Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology as a metagenomic approach using broad-range PCR primers followed by sequencing to hypothetically identify any pathogen present. The testing is composed of 3 separate tests for bacterial (BUPCR), fungal (FUPCR), and acid-fast (AFUPCR) organisms. The utility of UPCR has not been formally evaluated. Our objective is to describe the diagnostic utility of UPCR by comparing Cx and UPCR results, and their impact on management. Figure 1:Introduction - Types of Universal PCR Testing Methods We retrospectively collected data on UPCR and culture results and changes in antimicrobial therapy based on UPCR results for all patients with at least 1 UPCR test done during the 2-year study period. Results 367 UPCR tests were performed over 24 months on 155 patients. From 367 tests, 119 were FUPCR, 111 AFUPCR, and 137 BUPCR. 32/155 (20.6%) patients had positive UPCR. 25/32 were BUPCR and 7/32 were FUPCR. No AFUPCR was positive. In 8/155 (5.2%) patients management was changed based on UPCR results: Positive UPCR results directed treatment in 5 patients: 4 patients had positive UPCR and negative culture, and 1 had both UPCR and Cx positive but for different organisms. In all 5 therapy was changed in favor of UPCR result. All 5 tests were BUPCR.Negative UPCR led to antimicrobial discontinuation in 3 patients. 11/155 (7.1%) patients had negative UPCR and positive Cx, 10 of which were BUPCR and 1 AFUPCR. These results did not change management. Figure 2:Results – Type of Tissue and Test ResultsFigure 3:Results – Universal PCR Test Type and ResultsFigure 4:Results - Summary Conclusion Based on the real-world experience, UPCR results have limited impact on antimicrobial management in our institution. Further studies may try to identify clinical scenarios where UPCR may be of better clinical utility. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.