Study of Flu Vaccine Response and Chronic CMV Infection in Adults Over 75

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how the immune systems of adults over age 75 respond to the influenza vaccine, also known as the flu shot. This research focuses on understanding the impact of chronic cytomegalovirus CMV infection, a common virus in older adults, on the immune response to the flu vaccine. The study aims to improve knowledge about why vaccine failures occur in the frail elderly and to explore immune changes that happen with aging, especially in the oldest and most vulnerable groups. Participants will receive the Fluzone High-Dose trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine TIV. The study includes several visits an initial visit to collect medical history, vital signs, walking speed, grip strength, questionnaires, and blood and urine samples a vaccination visit a 7-day post-vaccination visit to collect a small blood sample and complete a symptom survey and a 4-week post-vaccination visit with follow-up questionnaires, vital signs, and a larger blood sample to measure immune responses. Weekly phone calls will be made throughout the flu season to monitor health and flu-like symptoms, with extra testing if symptoms develop. Participants will be involved in regular health assessments including blood draws to check immune responses and nasal swabs to confirm influenza if symptoms appear. The study team will monitor the presence of CMV viral DNA and immune responses over four years. Results such as blood counts will be shared with participants. The total study duration covers several flu seasons with ongoing follow-up and data collection to better understand vaccine effectiveness and immune health in adults over 75 years old.

Influenza Immunization in Adults Over Age 75