The Vaccine Evaluation Center (VEC) is committed to building a world without vaccine-preventable diseases. Our research and evaluation projects span across all age groups and include laboratory science, clinical trials, epidemiologic studies, social sciences, program implementation and surveillance.
Explore our current research based on disease type and area of focus.
Antimicrobial resistance | COVID-19 | HPV (human papillomavirus) | Influenza | Meningococcal | Mpox | Pneumococcal | Vaccine Confidence | Vaccine Surveillance | Varicella | Whooping Cough
Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve and no longer respond to medicines. This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of the spread of disease, severe illness, and death.
The RESTORE Study
- The RESTORE Study: Surveillance of multi-drug RESisTant Gram-negative bacterial infectiOns in children
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Manish Sadarangani
VEC Co-Investigator: Dr. Ashley Roberts
This study aims to identify risk factors associated with multi-drug resistant (MDR)-bacterial infections in children attending BC Children’s Hospital. We are examining what treatments children with resistant bacterial infections need and how they recover in comparison to children with bacterial infections that are not multi-drug resistant. In addition, we collect bacterial samples from patients allowing for further investigation of the differences between MDR-bacteria and non-MDR bacteria.
We will be expanding beyond the RESTORE study in collaboration with the POPCORN network (Pediatrics Outcomes imProvement through the COordination of Research Networks). POPCORN links 16 of Canada’s children’s hospitals and major pediatric research centers, as well as several multidisciplinary national networks. This work will focus on infections caused by Klebsiella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, all bacteria that the World Health Organization and Public Health Agency of Canada have identified as some of the biggest threats for antimicrobial resistance.
Klebsiella Antigen Identification and Immune Response Study
- Klebsiella antigen identification and immune response (KLEAR): a prospective observational study of children with Klebsiella infection
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Manish Sadarangani
VEC Co-Investigators: Dr. Ashley Roberts and Emily Mason
Klebsiella is a type of bacteria normally found in the human microbiome that can sometimes cause infections and other diseases like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bloodstream infections. Many Klebsiella bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, making infections much more difficult to treat. Globally, Klebsiella is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and infectious death in children.
The KLEAR study will identify immunogenic vaccine targets for a Klebsiella vaccine. It will do so by characterizing the antibody response to invasive Klebsiella infection. The secondary goals of this study are to identify the function of anti-Klebsiella antibodies after a Klebsiella infection and to characterize cell-based immune responses to Klebsiella infection. This is the first study of pediatric-only Klebsiella infections in North America.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is the infectious disease identified in December 2019 that is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic in 2020, due to the rapid increase in the number of cases globally. The spectrum of illness associated with COVID-19 has spanned mild and non-specific flu-like illness to severe manifestations, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and death.
The MOSAIC Study
- The MOSAIC study is comparing the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of different dosing schedules and different combinations of the COVID-19 vaccines that are available in Canada.
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Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Manish Sadarangani and Dr. Joanne Langley (Dalhousie University)
VEC Co-Investigator: Dr. Hana Mitchell
Why are we doing this study?
Data has shown the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against severe disease up to 6 months after vaccination, however, there is some evidence of decreasing antibody levels. Additionally, implementing recommended immunization schedules has been challenging due to factors such as vaccine shortage and vaccine mixing. The goals of this study are to help researchers understand the immune response to COVID-19 after vaccination with different intervals and vaccines between the first and second dose, and to help guide future policies and recommendations for how these vaccines are used.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), with an estimated lifetime risk of 80% among sexually active individuals. Females and males are both susceptible to HPV. Globally, HPV is one of the leading causes of cancer. HPV can cause several different kinds of cancer, including oral, cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and anal cancer. Almost all (99%) of cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
QUEST: 10 Year HPV Vaccine Evaluation
- The national Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine Evaluation Study (QUEST) is following participants for up to 10 years after their first HPV vaccine in order to assess HPV risk, HPV prevalence, and whether two doses of the vaccine Gardasil provides similar protection as three doses against human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.
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Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Manish Sadarangani, Dr. Gina Ogilvie (BCCDC) and Dr. Mel Krajden (BCCDC)
Why are we doing this study?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly sexually transmitted infections (STI) and Current HPV vaccine is recommended on a three dose schedule, a decrease in dosage can make HPV vaccines more accessible. The study aims to answer the following questions:
- Are two doses of HPV vaccine enough to provide continued protection?
- What level of HPV disease is present in the vaccinated population?
- Is there a difference between the groups that had two doses of the vaccine, versus those that had three?
- The QUadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine Evaluation STudy with ADdition of the nonaVAleNt vaCcinE (QUEST-ADVANCE) study is looking at the differences in HPV vaccine dosing schedules. Women ages 20-27 and men ages 15-20 are invited to participate in this observational study regardless of whether or not they have received the HPV vaccine.
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Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Manish Sadarangani and Dr. Gina Ogilvie (BCCDC)
VEC Co-Investigator: Dr. Julie Bettinger
Why are we doing this study?
The elimination of cervical cancer has been listed by the World Health Organization as a top health priority and Canada is poised to be one of the first countries to achieve this goal. Ongoing evaluation of the HPV vaccine and dosing schedule is critical to optimizing the vaccine’s cancer-eliminating potential. The results of this study will also provide crucial insight into the long-term immunity of the HPV vaccine and help researchers determine how many doses are needed.
ACE-PROVE Study
- ACE-PROVE: Predictors of HPV vaccine uptake study
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Julie Bettinger
VEC Co-Investigator: Dr. Manish Sadarangani
The purpose of this study is to determine the current factors (knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs) that influence parental decisions to vaccinate their children with HPV vaccine and accordingly, what actions can be taken to increase HPV vaccine uptake in BC and Canada. This study is surveying and talking with parents about their attitudes and views on HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination for their children in Grade 6. The survey has finished and interviews with parents are ongoing.
Influenza
Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus. A person infected with influenza is at risk for further infections, including viral or bacterial pneumonia, which is infection of the lungs. Children are especially vulnerable and at greater risk of flu complications.
Infant Influenza Study
- The infant influenza study seeks to determine whether the MF59-adjuvanted influenza vaccine or the inactivated unadjuvanted influenza vaccine is better for infants.
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Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Joanne Langley (Dalhousie University) and Dr. Soren Gantt (Université de Montréal)
VEC Site Principal Investigator: Dr. Manish Sadarangani
VEC Co-Investigator: Dr. Hana Mitchell
Researchers hope to learn if one is better at making antibodies protecting against infection and providing a longer lasting immune response to annual vaccinations. This comparison will help identify which vaccine is better suited for infants and should be used in public influenza vaccination programs. For this study, the VEC enrolled 35 participants, (aged six to 23 months of age who had not previously received a flu vaccine), out of Canada’s overall enrollment of 159 participants. Data analysis for this study is ongoing.
Meningococcal
A germ called meningococcus (Neisseria meningitides) can cause many serious diseases, including meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning). Meningitis affects the brain and spinal cord. It can cause hearing loss, seizures, learning and behavior problems, severe brain damage and even death. Death is caused in about half of the cases if left untreated.
Learn more about meningococcal disease
Meningococcal Vaccine Comparison in Adolescents
- This study compares the 3 different meningococcal vaccines currently being offered to teenagers across Canada.
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Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Manish Sadarangani and Dr. Otto Vanderkooi (Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute)
VEC Co-Investigator: Dr. Julie Bettinger
Why are we doing this study?
Meningococcal disease is often severe and can be deadly. Researchers at the Vaccine Evaluation Center would like to find out if there are any differences between these 3 vaccines, and if any of them are better than the others.
244 participants were enrolled in this study, with 92 of those participants residing in BC.
Meningococcal B Vaccine (MenB) Project
- The MenB systematic review explores the safety, immunogenicity, efficacy and effectiveness of capsular group B meningococcal vaccines.
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Manish Sadarangani
VEC Co-Investigator: Dr. Julie Bettinger
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is the most life-threatening form of illness with Neisseria meningitidis capsular group B as the leading cause in Canada. The MenB systematic review examines different aspects of MenB vaccines including safety, effectiveness, and immunogenicity (the ability of a vaccine to provoke an immune response) in preventing IMD for those under 25 years of age.
Mpox
Mpox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of orthopoxvirus. It can lead to symptoms such as painful rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue. While most individuals fully recover from mpox, severe cases, including death, can occur. A 2-dose mpox vaccine is authorized in Canada for those 18 and older at high risk of mpox exposure.
The Mpox Vaccination Campaign 2022-23 Study
- The Mpox Vaccination Study seeks to understand the experiences of people who were eligible for preventive vaccination against Mpox in British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario in 2022-23.
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Devon Greyson
The purpose of this study is to assess what went well and what could be improved about this vaccination campaign and similar ones. Researchers are studying communications and conducting interviews to explore perceptions of mpox and of mpox vaccination. The study is also examining people’s feelings about mpox vaccination safety monitoring, and the strategies public health and community organizations use to improve vaccine access and uptake.
Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP). This is a major cause of infection of the ears, sinuses, blood, lungs, and brain. Children under 2 years of age have the highest rates of disease. Even with treatment, many children with severe disease may die or experience severe complications, such as meningitis, pneumonia, septicemia (blood poisoning), hearing loss, or brain damage.
Learn more about pneumococcal disease
PCV13 Study
- Comparing 1 versus 2 doses of PCV13 vaccine in Canadian infants.
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Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Manish Sadarangani and Dr. Otto Vanderkooi (Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute)
Pneumococcal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide especially in young children <5 years. This study is evaluating the effectiveness of fewer vaccine doses for providing the same protection as the currently-used schedule against pneumococcal disease. Although the vaccine is given as 3 shots at 2, 4, and 12 months of age, researchers would like to find out if it is possible to achieve the same protection using just 2 shots at 2 and 12 months.
Vaccine Confidence
It's normal to have questions and concerns about vaccines. Vaccine confidence is the belief that vaccines are effective and safe.
Understanding factors that influence vaccine decision-making, such as cultural, social, and political factors, is important for building stronger provincial and national vaccination programs.
Assessing the Implementation of an Online Education Module for use with the BC Vaccine Status Reporting Regulation
- The study explores the potential for the BC Vaccination Status Reporting Regulation to offer an education component for non-vaccinating parents/guardians.
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Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Julie Bettinger and Dr. Devon Greyson
The study seeks to determine an online education module’s impact on participants and their:
- Knowledge about vaccines and caring for unvaccinated children
- Attitudes toward vaccines and the government
- Intentions to vaccinate their children
- Engagement with the module
This study also aims to gather suggestions for improving the education module’s perception among its target audience.
Optimizing Vaccine Uptake After Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant
- The study will help improve transplant-specific vaccination programs by addressing gaps in vaccination coverage and using patient-centered ideas to share vaccine information.
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The study will help improve transplant-specific vaccination programs by addressing gaps in vaccination coverage and using patient-centered ideas to share vaccine information.
Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Hana Mitchell, Dr. Catherine Burton (University of Alberta), and Dr. Athena McConnell (University of Saskatchewan)
VEC Co-Investigator: Dr. Manish Sadarangani
Pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at an increased risk of infection because of the need for life-long immunosuppression. Vaccine recommend¬ations and schedules for pediatric SOT recipients differ from those for immunocompetent children, and these guidelines change with new evidence and vaccines. The data on vaccine uptake in pediatric SOT recipients is limited and it is hypothesized that Canadian pediatric SOT recipients are under vaccinated.
In this study researchers will establish current vaccination coverage among pediatric SOT recipients in Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan). Research will also conduct in-depth interviews with a sub-set of SOT recipients and their caregivers in order to learn their perspectives on vaccinations.
Vaccines in Pregnancy (VIP)
- The VIP study seeks to improve vaccine communication in pregnancy.
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Eliana Castillo (University of Calgary)
VEC Co-Investigator: Dr. Julie Bettinger
This study developed a training course for perinatal care providers on vaccine communication and a website with information for pregnant women and people. The website can be found at vaccinesinpregnancycanada.ca.
The next phase of this project will evaluate the website and training module in pre-natal clinics in British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
Evaluation of BC’s Immunization Communication Tool
- This study is evaluating BC’s Immunization Communication Tool from 2021.
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Julie Bettinger
VEC Co-Investigator: Dr. Devon Greyson
The immunization communication tool (ICT) is a provincial resource that was first developed in 2008 by the BC Immunization Committee to support health care providers with the information and tools needed to deliver vaccine communication. This study will collect feedback from all immunization providers across British Columbia through surveys and interviews, and will provide feedback on the tool and what immunization providers need to better communicate about vaccines in a culturally safe way. This evaluation will allow for targeted promotion and communication materials to be developed, to ultimately facilitate vaccine uptake.
Vaccine Surveillance
Monitoring how well a vaccine works and if it is safe continues after a vaccine is approved for use in the population. This is called vaccine surveillance.
This is an important part of immunization research to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality continue to be met. As an independent academic center, we are well situated to objectively monitor the quality of our vaccine products and programs.
The Canadian National Vaccine Safety (CANVAS) Network
- CANVAS is a national platform that monitors vaccine safety after vaccines are approved for use.
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Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Julie Bettinger and Dr. Matthew Muller (Unity Health Toronto)
VEC Co-Investigator: Dr. Manish Sadarangani
Why are we doing this study?
The purpose of this study is to monitor the safety of COVID-19, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and influenza (flu) vaccines. These studies complement Canada's passive vaccine safety surveillance system by providing rapid information in the early stages of each vaccine campaign. For more information on CANVAS, please see the website: canvas-network.ca
Canada’s Immunization Monitoring Program ACTive (IMPACT)
- IMPACT – Surveillance of vaccine preventable disease(s) hospitalizations in children
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Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Manish Sadarangani and Dr. Shaun Morris (The Hospital for Sick Children)
Data Center Director: Dr. Julie Bettinger
IMPACT is a paediatric hospital-based national active surveillance network for selected infectious diseases that are, or will be, vaccine preventable. These selected diseases are pertussis (whooping cough), varicella zoster virus (chickenpox and shingles), and invasive infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae and invasive group A streptococcus.
Why are we doing this study?
IMPACT monitors the pattern of diseases that are currently or potentially vaccine-preventable in children. It also monitors how well our vaccine programs work. IMPACT complements existing national surveillance systems, supports public health action, informs policy dialogue with Federal, Provincial, Territorial and other national stakeholders, and assists in meeting Canada’s international commitments for disease reporting.
Special Immunization Clinic Network
- This study is collecting information from patients who are attending the Special Immunization Clinic (SIC) at BC Children’s Hospital due to concerns around receiving vaccines. Researchers are combining the information they get from patient visits, with that of similar patients across Canada, in order to help doctors improve care for other patients who have vaccine concerns.
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Karina Top (University of Alberta)
VEC Site Principal Investigator: Dr. Manish Sadarangani
Why are we doing this study?
While vaccines have decreased diseases around the world and are generally considered safe, there are a few cases of serious and severe side effects from vaccination. People who have had serious side effects are sometimes anxious about whether or not to have more vaccines, and there is currently little scientific data to help these people decide what to do next. The Special Immunization Clinic (SIC) Network runs across 13 sites in six provinces and conducts multi-center research studies to optimize the clinical management of patients with contraindication to vaccination and those with adverse events following immunization (AEFI) and use of vaccines in children and youth with immunosuppression due to various causes.
Creating a Digitally Enhanced AEFI Surveillance System in Canada
- This study is examining opportunities for the use of digital technology in adverse event following immunization (AEFI) surveillance in Canada. It has a specific focus on digitally facilitated participant-centred reporting in vaccinated and unvaccinated populations.
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Principal Investigator: Dr. Kumanan Wilson (Ottawa Hospital Research Institute)
VEC Co-Investigators: Dr. Julie Bettinger and Dr. Devon Greyson
Why are we doing this study?
Serious adverse events following immunization are rare, but do occur. Therefore, good quality surveillance is necessary and critical in detecting and understanding rare and more common adverse events. Digital technology, which has transformed society and healthcare, offers the potential to enhance and improve AEFI surveillance.
Varicella
Varicella, also known as chickenpox, is a very common and highly infectious childhood disease that is found worldwide. The defining symptom is a characteristic blister-like rash, which can cause severe irritation. Approximately one in 200 children who got the disease were hospitalized every year with 1-2 deaths occurring annually.
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) in Solid Organ Transplant (SOT)
- This study is investigating how health care providers and caregivers will accept chickenpox vaccination, as well as evaluating the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness in children with transplants.
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Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Manish Sadarangani, Dr. Karina Top (University of Alberta), and Dr. Catherine Burton (University of Alberta)
VEC Co-Investigators: Dr. Julie Bettinger, Dr. Estelle Morin, and Dr. Hana Mitchell
Why are we doing this study?
Chickenpox, or varicella, was once a common childhood illness. In children with weakened immune systems, it can be even worse and has been known to cause complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis and even death.
Doctors have historically not given this vaccine to children with transplants; however, new studies are showing that it is actually safe and effective for certain patients.
Whooping Cough
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis. Symptoms include prolonged cough, and in infants can cause breathing pause and death. Pertussis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in infants < 3 months of age, who are below the age of recommended pertussis immunization. The Tdap vaccine is recommended as an important part of a healthy pregnancy, protecting pregnant people and their child against three potentially life-threatening bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Learn more about whooping cough
Tdap in pregnancy in Uganda in HIV positive/negative women
- This study aims to understand the function of antibodies induced following Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) immunization during pregnancy, and explore if there are differences between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women.
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Why are we doing this study?
Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Manish Sadarangani, and Dr. Kirsty Le Doare (Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group)
Why are we doing this study?
Immunization against pertussis in pregnancy is a recommended strategy for the prevention of infant pertussis. However, vaccine effectiveness may be different in immunocompromised individuals such as women living with HIV. This study will investigate whether vaccines given to women living with HIV have similar immunogenicity and reactogenicity to vaccines given to pregnant women without HIV. The study will also monitor the effect of Tdap immunization in pregnancy on infant immune responses.
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