Optimizing Varicella Immunization in Children and Youth with Solid Organ Transplants to Prevent Disease and Improve Long-term Health

Project Summary

When varicella zoster virus (VZV) infects an immunocompromised patient, they are at a much higher risk of severe chicken pox infection than most other children. In the past, live vaccines were not given to solid organ transplants (SOT) recipients due to their immunocompromised status, thus leaving them vulnerable. However, based on new evidence surrounding vaccination in SOT patients, the international pediatric transplant association have developed a new guideline to help safely provide live attenuated varicella vaccine (LAVV) to this population. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the implementation of this new guideline in hopes of increasing the number of SOT patients who are protected against VZV.

Project Status

Status: Active, data collection ongoing
Study Start Date: June 1, 2021
Study End Date: January 31, 2023

Study Enrollment Status: Active
Start Date: July 5, 2021
End Date: December 31, 2023

Project Team

Principal Investigator

Manish Sadarangani

Co-investigators

Dr. Tom Blydt-Hansen
Dr. Julie Bettinger
Dr. Soren Gantt
Dr. Hana Mitchell

Research Team Members

Lee Geiner, Research Coordinator
Brittany Seligman, M&P Staff
Candice Wiedman, Research Assistant
Jennifer Mark, M&P Staff
Karen Simmons, M&P Staff
Ivor Chee, M&P Staff

Enrollment Eligibility Criteria

Part I: Physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other HCP who provide care to children with SOT and may be involved in recommending and/or administering vaccinations at: BC Children’s Hospital, Stollery Children Hospital, Hospital for Sick Children, and IWK Health Centre or in the communities of Toronto and Edmonton.
Part II: Parents/caregivers of 1) children who have received a liver, kidney or heart transplant, 2) children who are actively followed by a clinical transplant team and 3) children who were screened for eligibility for LAVV according to their center's clinical pathway at:BC Children’s Hospital, Stollery Children Hospital, Hospital for Sick Children, or IWK Health Centre.
Part III: Children 1–19 years of age with a liver, kidney or heart transplant who have decided, in conjunction with their clinical team,to receive LAVV as part of clinical care. Potential participants must also have previously consented on to the 'HOPE SOT Research Registry' (H17-01140) in order to be eligible.

Participate

For more information, or if you are interested in participating, contact us at vecstudies@bcchr.ca.