Vaccines, Infections & Host Defenses

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The overall objective of the Vaccines, Infections and Host Defenses Group is to better understand and prevent infectious diseases in children.

We will continue to support and build on strong collaborations and existing infrastructure within BC Children's Hospital Research Institute including the Vaccine Evaluation Centre, the Center for Understanding and Preventing Infections in Children, and the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.

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Vaccines, Infections & Host Defenses News See all

International partnership supports vaccine research to prevent future outbreaks

A new partnership between CIHR and CEPI will provide $2.7 million in grant funding to five Canadian researchers — including BC Children’s Hospital investigators — to pursue projects that will help prepare for future epidemic and pandemic threats.

Continue reading International partnership supports vaccine research to prevent future outbreaks

The importance of vaccination: Q&A with Dr. Hana Mitchell

National Immunization Awareness Week is a time to recognize the importance of vaccines and their vital role in protecting individuals and communities against infectious diseases. We spoke to Dr. Mitchell about her work and how her interest in translating research findings into day-to-day clinical practice helps to prevent infections in immunocompromised children.

Continue reading The importance of vaccination: Q&A with Dr. Hana Mitchell

How are COVID-19 mRNA vaccines linked to the gut microbiome and dietary fibre intake?

Dr. Genelle Lunken recently led a study looking at COVID-19 vaccination and its association with the gut microbiome and dietary fibre intake.

Continue reading How are COVID-19 mRNA vaccines linked to the gut microbiome and dietary fibre intake?

Working to make childhood cancer recurrence a thing of the past: Q&A with BRAvE researchers

Researchers from the BRAvE Initiative at BC Children’s Hospital have developed a new precision oncology platform that stands to save young lives across Canada.

Continue reading Working to make childhood cancer recurrence a thing of the past: Q&A with BRAvE researchers

Dr. Abu Raya awarded Vanier scholarship for improving pertussis vaccine

Dr. Bahaa Abu Raya has been awarded a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS) for his research into whooping cough immunization in pregnancy that helped change Canada’s national immunization guidelines on when expectant mothers should get a booster shot.

Continue reading Dr. Abu Raya awarded Vanier scholarship for improving pertussis vaccine

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