Dr. Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH
Claim this profileVanderbilt University Medical Center
Studies Nail Bed Infection
Studies Infections and Infestations
4 reported clinical trials
4 drugs studied
Affiliated Hospitals
Clinical Trials Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH is currently running
High vs. Standard Dose Flu Vaccine
for Transplant Patients
Influenza virus is a significant pathogen in pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. However, these individuals respond poorly to standard-dose (SD) inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV). Recent studies have investigated two strategies to overcome poor immune responses in SOT recipients: (1) administration of high-dose (HD)-IIV compared to SD-IIV and (2) two doses of SD-IIV compared to one dose of SD-IIV in the same influenza season. One study compared HD-IIV vs. SD-IIV in adult SOT recipients and noted that HD-IIV was safe and more immunogenic; however, the median post-transplant period was 38 months. A phase I pediatric study comparing a single dose of HD-IIV vs. SD-IIV was safe with higher immunogenicity, but the study was limited by small sample size and median post-transplant vaccine administration was 26 months. In another phase II trial of adult SOT recipients, two doses of SD-IIV one month apart compared to one-dose of SD-IIV revealed modestly increased immunogenicity when given at a median of 18 months post-transplant. Therefore, these studies lack both evaluation in the early post-transplant period and substantive pediatric populations. Additionally, the administration of two-doses of HD-IIV in the same influenza season has not been evaluated in pediatric SOT recipients. Thus, the optimal immunization strategy for pediatric SOT recipients less than 24 months post-transplant is unknown. In addition, immunologic predictors and correlates of influenza vaccine immunogenicity in pediatric SOT recipients have not been well-defined. The central hypothesis of our proposal is that pediatric SOT recipients 1-23 months post-transplant who receive two doses of HD-quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (QIV) will have similar safety but higher Hemagglutination Inhibition (HAI) geometric mean titers (GMTs) to influenza antigens compared to pediatric SOT recipients receiving two doses of SD-QIV.
Recruiting1 award Phase 2
High vs Standard Dose Flu Vaccine
for Lung Transplant Recipients
Lung allograft recipients have a higher burden of influenza disease and greater associated morbidity and mortality compared with healthy controls. Induction and early maintenance immunosuppression is thought to impair immunogenicity to standard dose inactivated influenza vaccine. This early post-transplant period is when immunity is most desirable, since influenza disease during this time frame is associated with adverse consequences. Thus, strategies to reduce severe influenza disease in this highly susceptible population are critical. No trials in lung transplant recipients have evaluated two doses of HD-IIV within the same influenza season as a strategy to improve immunogenicity and durability of influenza prevention. Furthermore, no influenza vaccine trials have focused on enrollment of subjects at early post-transplant timepoints. Very few studies have been performed in solely lung allograft recipients. Immunosuppression intensity is highest in lung patients, thereby limiting comparisons to recipients of heart, liver, and kidney transplants. Therefore, studies to assess both HD-IIV and two-dose strategies in the same influenza season in post-lung transplant recipients are greatly needed. The central hypothesis of our proposal is that lung allograft recipients who are 1-35 months post-transplant and receiving two doses of HD-quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (QIV) will have higher HAI geometric mean titers (GMT) to influenza antigens compared to those receiving two doses of SD-QIV. To test this hypothesis and address the above critical knowledge gaps, we propose to conduct a phase II, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled immunogenicity and safety trial comparing the administration of two doses of HD-QIV to two doses of SD-QIV in lung allograft recipients 1-35 months post-transplant. The results of this clinical trial will address significant knowledge gaps regarding influenza vaccine strategies (e.g., one vs. two doses and HD-QIV vs. SD-QIV) and immune responses in lung transplant recipients and will guide vaccine recommendations during the post-transplant period.
Recruiting2 awards Phase 25 criteria
More about Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH
Clinical Trial Related1 year of experience running clinical trials · Led 4 trials as a Principal Investigator · 2 Active Clinical TrialsTreatments Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH has experience with
- High Dose Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine
- Standard Dose Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine
- Placebo
- RSV LID/ΔM2-2/1030s
Breakdown of trials Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH has run
Nail Bed Infection
Infections and Infestations
Vaccinations
Gastroenteritis
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need insurance to participate in a trial?
Almost all clinical trials will cover the cost of the ‘trial drug’ — so no insurance is required for this. For trials where this trial drug is given alongside an already-approved medication, there may be a cost (which your insurance would normally cover).
What does Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH specialize in?
Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH focuses on Nail Bed Infection and Infections and Infestations. In particular, much of their work with Nail Bed Infection has involved treating patients, or patients who are undergoing treatment.
Is Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH currently recruiting for clinical trials?
Yes, Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH is currently recruiting for 2 clinical trials in Nashville Tennessee. If you're interested in participating, you should apply.
Are there any treatments that Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH has studied deeply?
Yes, Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH has studied treatments such as High Dose Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine, Standard Dose Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine, Placebo.
What is the best way to schedule an appointment with Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH?
Apply for one of the trials that Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH is conducting.
What is the office address of Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH?
The office of Natasha Halasa, MD, MPH is located at: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232 United States. This is the address for their practice at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Is there any support for travel costs?
The coverage of travel expenses can vary greatly between different clinical trials. Please see more financial detail in the trials you’re interested to apply.