IDCRC Investigator Profile: Christina A. Rostad, MD
Christina A. Rostad, MD, is the director of the Emory Children’s Center - Vaccine Research Clinic. She is an associate professor of pediatrics and an attending physician in pediatric infectious diseases at Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Dr. Rostad’s research interests focus on vaccine design and development, from pre-clinical design and testing to clinical trials. She is an investigator in the Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Unit (VTEU) at Emory University School of Medicine and has served as an investigator on multiple VTEU and industry-sponsored clinical trials. Dr. Rostad currently co-chairs the IDCRC study, "The Immunology and Safety of Maternal RSV Vaccination (ABRYSVO), Infant Nirsevimab (BEYFORTUS) Immunization, or Both Products."
How long have you worked with a VTEU?
I started working with the VTEU at Emory Children’s Center in 2017.
Can you share more about the current IDCRC study you're working on?
I am currently co-chairing the 24-0003 study evaluating the safety and immunology of maternal RSV vaccination, infant nirsevimab immunization, or sequential administration of both products. The purpose of this study is to provide information about the magnitude and durability of RSV antibodies in mothers and infants, breast milk antibodies, and intercurrent RSV infections. We hope the results of this study can help inform decision-making for pregnant individuals and their infants about RSV prevention.
Learn more about the study here.
Briefly describe the IDCRC-supported trials you've worked on.
I’ve had the opportunity to be a site PI for the DMID 22-0020 Doses of MVA-BN vaccine for adolescents and of the DMID 21-0012 Mix-and-match study of COVID-19 booster vaccines. I’ve supported a lot of other studies as a sub-I or closing as site PI.
Learn more about IDCRC-support studies.
Of these trials, what has been the most impactful or highlight of the work?
Working on the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials was particularly meaningful to me. I saw our team and the entire IDCRC network come together to respond to a global pandemic and a great public health need. We overcame many barriers, took on personal risks, and made sacrifices for the sake of serving humanity and protecting public health. I am really proud to have been a part of that.What is a strength or example of the importance of the IDCRC?
I think a key strength of the IDCRC is mentoring the next generation of clinical scientists. I have directly benefited from being a part of the first IDCRC mentorship cohort. There are wonderful mentors and role models within our network. As a mentee, I can attest that we are grateful for you.
I am also encouraged by my co-mentees and the many young scientists in our network who are already leading, teaching, discovering, and inspiring. We are facing new challenges to public health, but we will meet them with the same hope and resolve that our network has done in pandemics past.
The work that we do serving humanity through science and clinical research is intrinsically worthwhile. Our shared mission and values transcend personal and organizational goals and are like a north star guiding us through the dark. It is necessary that we persist in this work, standing in our integrity, speaking what is true, advocating for vulnerable people, with steady hearts and great love. I think this is what the world needs most from us now.
What do you like to do outside of the VTEU?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and our puppy Rosie.