Investigating how COVID-19 mRNA vaccines affect immunity in children and breastfeeding mothers
Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine-induced mucosal, serological, and cellular immunity in children and human milk
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine affects the immune systems of children and breastfeeding mothers, and it’s for families with kids as young as 6 months old to help us understand how vaccination can keep babies safe and lower the spread of the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10892183 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the immune responses in children and lactating mothers following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. It aims to assess both short- and long-term immunity by collecting biological samples from participants, including nasal swabs, saliva, and human milk. The study will enroll children as young as 6 months old and will follow participants every three months to monitor their immune responses. The goal is to provide insights into how vaccination can protect infants and reduce transmission of the virus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include children aged 6 months to 11 years and lactating mothers who have received the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.
Not a fit: Patients who are not eligible include those over 11 years old or those who are not lactating and have not received the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance vaccination strategies to better protect children and breastfeeding infants from COVID-19.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding vaccine responses in adults, but this specific focus on children and breastfeeding mothers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pannaraj, Pia S — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Pannaraj, Pia S
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.