How vaccine-related inflammation may affect how doctors make treatment decisions

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, double-blind study gives participants either an influenza vaccine or a saline placebo across two lab sessions held about 24 hours apart. Researchers measure inflammatory markers from blood samples and assess decision-making and attitudes using standardized tasks and questionnaires. The goal is to see if acute inflammation and related conditions influence objective and professional judgment in medical decision-making. Participants are healthcare providers who travel to collaborating sites and provide informed consent remotely before in-person sessions. The study uses a crossover design where those receiving placebo first later receive the vaccine.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthcare providers currently employed in emergency medicine or internal medicine
* Must be one of the following: Resident, fellow, attending, or advanced practice provider (NP, PA)
* Individual is able to travel to the research site for sessions
* Has not had an acute viral or bacterial infection within the previous 14 days
* Has not taken an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu in the previous 48 hours
* Has not taken corticosteroids or immunosuppressants in the previous 30 days

Exclusion Criteria:

* Does not want to receive a flu vaccine as part of the study
* Has received a flu vaccine this season already (after August of current year)
* Has had a prior allergic reaction or bad side effect, including Guillain-Barre, due to a flu vaccine or another vaccine
* Is allergic to eggs or have had an adverse reaction to egg-derived vaccine
* Is pregnant or suspects a possible pregnancy
* Has congenital or acquired immunodeficiency such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) or HIV/AIDS
* Has an active hematologic malignancy (like leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma)
* Has Type 1 diabetes
* Has Graft vs. Host Disease
* Uses aspirin, ibuprofen (i.e., NSAIDs), acetaminophen, or naproxen daily
* Uses corticosteroids or immunosuppressants daily
* Is currently receiving systemic chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy
* Has had changes in daily prescription medication in the last 3 months (starting, stopping, changing dose)

Where it's running

• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States Recruiting
• University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
  Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Recruiting
• Carilion Medical Center
  Roanoke, Virginia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Anastasia Makhanova, PhD
• Email: ammakhan@uark.edu
• Phone: 479-575-8798

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.