Evaluating pneumococcal vaccination responses in heart transplant candidates

Response to Guideline-concordant Pneumococcal Vaccination Strategy in Cardiac Transplant Candidates and Recipients

Observational Montefiore Medical Center · NCT04845945

This study tests how well pneumococcal vaccines work in people being evaluated for a heart transplant, including those with a left ventricular assist device, to see if the current vaccination methods are good enough for them.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMontefiore Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bronx, New York)
Trial IDNCT04845945 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the immune response to pneumococcal vaccination in patients undergoing evaluation for heart transplant, including those who have received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Participants will receive vaccinations according to standard care guidelines, while their responses will be assessed using two blood tests: ELISA and OPA. The study aims to determine if current vaccination strategies are sufficient for this high-risk population. Participation involves minimal additional risk, primarily associated with blood sample collection.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over who are either being evaluated for a heart transplant or have already received one.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18, pregnant, or already up to date on pneumococcal vaccination will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve vaccination strategies for heart transplant candidates, enhancing their infection prevention.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is observational and builds on existing vaccination guidelines, similar studies have shown the importance of tailored vaccination strategies in immunocompromised populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 or over
* Either undergoing evaluation for heart transplant (with or without LVAD receipt), or having received a heart transplant
* Receiving a dose of PCV15 or PPSV23 (or both sequentially) concordant with AST guidelines

Exclusion Criteria:

* Infants and children under age 18
* Subjects without the capacity to consent
* Pregnancy
* Already up to date on pneumococcal vaccination or declining vaccination

Where this trial is running

Bronx, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Heart Transplant Infection Prevention
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.