Understanding how older adults respond to flu vaccines
Leveraging an ongoing longitudinal study of influenza vaccination to define immune signatures of response and risk of infection in older adults >75
This study is looking at how older adults, especially those over 75, react to flu shots and what affects their immune response, to help understand why some still get sick even after being vaccinated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10990517 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how older adults, particularly those over 75, respond to influenza vaccinations and the factors that influence their immune response. By analyzing data from a long-term study, researchers will examine the immune signatures of these individuals, including their immune cell function and the effectiveness of the vaccine over multiple seasons. The study utilizes advanced immunological techniques to assess both general immune health and specific responses to the flu virus, aiming to identify why some older adults experience breakthrough infections despite vaccination.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 75 and above who have received or are planning to receive an influenza vaccine.
Not a fit: Patients younger than 75 or those who do not receive the influenza vaccine may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved flu vaccination strategies and better protection for older adults against influenza.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in older adults can lead to significant advancements in vaccine effectiveness, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leng, Sean Xiao — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Leng, Sean Xiao
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.