Intradermal vaccination for influenza

Characterization of Immune Response to Intradermal Influenza Vaccination

This study tests how well a new way of giving the flu vaccine under the skin works to boost the immune response in healthy people.

Quick facts

• Phase: EARLY_PHASE1
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 249 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 40 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Yale University (other)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy
• Locations: 1 site (New Haven, Connecticut)
• Trial ID: NCT06067555 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to characterize the immune response to intradermal vaccination using an FDA-approved seasonal influenza vaccine in healthy individuals. Participants will receive the vaccine via a MicronJet device, and researchers will collect various biological samples, including skin and blood, at multiple time points to assess both innate and adaptive immune responses. The study will also explore the inflammatory response in the skin over time and may involve annual follow-ups through the 2025-26 influenza season.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18-40 who can provide informed consent and comply with study procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with significant health issues or abnormal laboratory values may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of immune responses to influenza vaccination, potentially leading to improved vaccine strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in characterizing immune responses to vaccines, but this specific approach using intradermal administration is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study, as well as have deidentified samples and data stored for future research.
3. Able to proficiently speak, read, and write English.
4. Male or female, aged 18-40 years old at time of initial enrollment

   a. Participant is allowed to participate in subsequent influenza seasons even if they will be \>40 years old.
5. In good general health as evidenced by medical history

Individuals meeting any of the following criteria will be excluded from study participation:

1. CBC with differential, lymphocyte phenotyping with T, B, and natural killer cells (TBNK), complete metabolic panel, anti-CMV immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM, and/or anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody panel values outside of the Yale Department of Laboratory Medicine normal reference ranges and deemed clinically significant by the PI at the time of screening.
2. Positive result for anti-HIV 1/2 antibody screening at the time of screening.
3. Prior receipt of a current seasonal influenza vaccine (for the season of participation).
4. History of allergy or hypersensitivity to any components of the study vaccine (e.g., egg protein).
5. History of severe reactions to vaccines.
6. Use of an oral glucocorticoid within the past 30 days.
7. Receipt of a live-attenuated vaccine within the past 3 months.
8. Receipt of any experimental vaccine.
9. Receipt of any other type of vaccine (non-live and non-experimental, e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis \[TDaP\]) within the past 3 months.
10. Planned vaccination before day 100 after study vaccination.
11. Current or recent use (within the past 90 days) of immunoglobulin therapy.
12. Surgery within the past 8 weeks, or planned surgery before day 28.
13. Current (within the past 30 days) treatment for active malignancy.
14. Cancer chemotherapy in the past 2 years.
15. Administration of any blood products within 90 days of the screening, or planned administration before day 100.
16. History of parasitic, amebic, fungal, or mycobacterial infections within the past 1 year, with the exception of tinea pedis and onychomycosis.
17. History of autoimmune or autoinflammatory disease.

    a. In particular skin-related (i.e. psoriasis, lichen planus, lupus, neutrophilic dermatoses, atopic dermatitis)
18. History of keloids
19. History of a bleeding disorder.
20. Current use (within the past 30 days) of illicit drugs (per subject report), with the exception of marijuana.
21. Current alcohol use disorders (criteria per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition), within the past 30 days.
22. Serious, ongoing, uncontrolled infection within the past 30 days as per the judgement of the PI.
23. History of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).
24. BMI ≥ 30.
25. Known or suspected immunodeficiency within 1 year, including documented HIV infection.
26. Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during the study period. (Women of childbearing potential must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test at screening.)
27. Presence of conditions that, in the judgment of the PI, may put the individual at undue risk or compromise the scientific objectives of the study.

Co-enrollment guidelines: Co-enrollment in other trials is restricted, other than enrollment on observational studies. Consideration for co-enrollment in trials evaluating the use of a licensed medication will require the approval of the PI. Study staff should be notified of co-enrollment on any other protocol as it may require the approval of the PI.

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut

• Church Street Research Unit — New Haven, Connecticut, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Andrew Johnston — Yale University
• Study coordinator: Andrew Johnston, MD, PhD

Conditions: Vaccine Reaction