How aging affects the immune response to the flu vaccine in older adults
Official title: Impact of preexisting immune profile in elderly on influenza vaccine response
Funded at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-10950302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune systems of older adults work before getting the flu shot to see if it helps us understand why some people respond better to the vaccine than others, with the hope of making the flu vaccine more effective for seniors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006011-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are preparing to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients younger than 65 years old or those who do not plan to receive the influenza vaccine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune profiles of elderly individuals influence their response to the influenza vaccine. It focuses on understanding the interactions between different immune cells before vaccination and how these interactions may affect the effectiveness of the vaccine. By examining blood samples from both elderly and younger participants, the study aims to identify specific immune characteristics that correlate with better vaccine responses. The goal is to enhance vaccine efficacy in older adults, who are at higher risk for severe influenza outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved influenza vaccine strategies for older adults, enhancing their protection against the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in older adults can lead to improved vaccination strategies, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
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Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shive, Carey Lynn — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shive, Carey Lynn
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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.