Exploring how transgender women respond to seasonal COVID-19 vaccines
Understanding transgender women's immune and behavioral responses to seasonal COVID-19 vaccines to improve their uptake
This study is looking at how seasonal COVID-19 vaccines affect the immune system and behavior of transgender women who are on hormone therapy, to better understand their unique needs and improve vaccination experiences for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Blood Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11053893 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune and behavioral responses of transgender women to seasonal COVID-19 vaccines, focusing on how gender-affirming hormone therapy may influence these responses. By examining the effects of sex hormones on immunity, the study aims to understand the unique challenges and needs of transgender women regarding vaccination. Participants will be adult transgender women who have undergone hormone therapy, allowing researchers to explore the relationship between hormone levels and vaccine efficacy. The findings could help improve vaccine uptake and health outcomes in this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult transgender women who are undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not transgender women or those who have not undergone hormone therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better vaccination strategies and improved health outcomes for transgender women.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on COVID-19 vaccines and transgender women, studies on sex differences in immunity suggest that understanding these dynamics could lead to significant advancements in vaccine response.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York Blood Center — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lustigman, Sara — New York Blood Center
- Study coordinator: Lustigman, Sara
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 below.