Estimating how effective the influenza vaccine is using social media data
Official title: Real-time estimation of influenza vaccine effectiveness through social media mining
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11085109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well the flu vaccine works by checking what people are saying on social media about their flu symptoms and vaccination experiences, so that health agencies can better respond to flu outbreaks and help everyone stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | May 7, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $172,621 |
| NIH project number | 5R21LM014467-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 65 and older, as well as children under 11, who are at higher risk for influenza complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of the targeted age groups or those who do not engage with social media may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine by analyzing data from social media platforms. By mining real-time information, the project aims to provide timely estimates of vaccine effectiveness, which can help public health agencies respond more effectively to influenza outbreaks. The methodology involves collecting and analyzing social media posts related to influenza symptoms and vaccination experiences, allowing for a broader understanding of vaccine performance across different populations. This approach seeks to complement traditional data collection methods used by health agencies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely assessments of influenza vaccine effectiveness, ultimately improving public health responses and vaccination strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using social media data for public health insights, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez Hernandez, Graciela — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez Hernandez, Graciela
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.