Influenza Immunization in Adults Over Age 75

Launched by JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · Jul 23, 2014

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how well the flu vaccine works in adults over the age of 75. As people age, their immune system—what helps the body fight infections—may not work as well, and researchers want to see if this affects how older adults respond to the flu shot. They are also looking into whether a common virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) impacts this response. The study aims to involve 1,025 participants who are either healthy or frail and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being 75 years or older and not having certain health conditions.

If you qualify and decide to participate, you will start with a phone call to answer some questions. After that, you’ll visit Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center or have a staff member come to your home. You’ll receive the flu vaccine for free and undergo some health checks, including blood tests. Over the following weeks, you will fill out surveys about your health and symptoms, and you’ll have follow-up visits to monitor your immune response to the vaccine. Throughout the flu season, you will also receive weekly calls to check on your health. This trial is a great opportunity for older adults to contribute to important research on flu vaccination and its effects.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults over age 75 years
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Allergies to egg or vaccine
• • Active malignancies
• • On radiation or chemotherapy
• • Active systemic inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis
• • Acute exacerbation of chronic cardiopulmonary conditions including decompensated CHF or COPD
• • Taking oral steroids (such as prednisone) or immune modulating drugs (such as methotrexate).
• • Lacking the capacity to consent (individuals who do not understand what Flu shot is or need someone else to decide if s/he should get the Flu shot)