Understanding how well vaccines protect Latino communities from COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 correlates of protection in a Latino-origin population

NIH-funded research University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences · NIH-11158325

This study is looking at how well COVID-19 vaccines work for Latino communities by checking how their immune systems respond to the vaccines and the virus, especially against new variants, to help protect vulnerable people like older adults and those with certain health conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Juan, United States)
Project IDNIH-11158325 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and infections in Latino-origin populations, focusing on how well these vaccines protect against emerging variants of the virus. The study will analyze the levels of neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses over time to determine their effectiveness and durability. By collecting samples from participants, the research aims to identify factors that contribute to protective immunity and the severity of COVID-19 outcomes, including long COVID. This work is particularly important for vulnerable groups, such as older adults and those with hematopoietic stem cell transplants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include Latino individuals, particularly older adults and those with underlying health conditions, who have been vaccinated or infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Not a fit: Patients who are not of Latino origin or those who have not been vaccinated or infected with SARS-CoV-2 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccine strategies and better health outcomes for Latino communities affected by COVID-19.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines, making this approach both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

San Juan, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.