Long-term COVID-19 immunity and Long COVID follow-up at Emory
CORE C: CLINICAL AND BIOSTATISTICS CORE
This project continues following 747 people who had COVID-19 to track immune responses after infection and vaccination and to learn more about Long COVID across different age groups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178450 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a group of 747 participants who previously had COVID-19 and agree to periodic clinic visits for blood draws, health questionnaires, and medical data collection over several years. The Clinical Core organizes visits, collects samples like blood and bone marrow when needed, and ensures consistent medical records and symptom tracking. The Biostatistics Core uses those data to model immune memory, compare immune responses by age and vaccination status, and help identify patterns linked to recovery or persistent symptoms. Results are shared with the research team to guide new tests or future treatments aimed at preventing or managing Long COVID.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who previously had COVID-19 (any age group), including those with ongoing post-COVID symptoms or who received vaccination, who can attend periodic follow-up visits at the study site.
Not a fit: People without a history of COVID-19 or those seeking immediate clinical treatment rather than contributing to long-term research are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help improve vaccine strategies and guide better diagnosis and care for people with Long COVID.
How similar studies have performed: Other long-term COVID-19 cohort studies have clarified antibody durability and vaccine responses, but questions about the mechanisms and treatment of Long COVID remain incompletely answered.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahmed, Rafi — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Ahmed, Rafi
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.