What is the purpose of this study?
The purpose of this study is to learn more about how the immune system responds to new and changing pathogens in people who are immunocompromised. Pathogens are organisms that can cause disease, like bacteria and viruses. Antibodies and white blood cells are important components of the immune system that help fight off infections and can show the body’s immune response to a pathogen.
Why should I refer my patients to participate in your study?
Patients who have chronic conditions have traditionally been excluded from vaccine trials. Little is known about durable immunity in this patient population following vaccination and/or infection. This study can inform public health recommendations for our patients.
The study acknowledges that antibody serologic testing does not imply protection; however, the information will likely still be helpful in understanding the landscape of responses in this population.
What does the study involve?
The study involves no in person visits. It will also involve the completion of a short survey and blood collection (either self-collect or at the local lab). Blood will be collected at baseline and several time points after vaccination. This is then mailed back and run in Johns Hopkins labs for testing. There is no cost to participants. No in-person study visits are required, and in fact, the entire study can be completed from home.
How do I inform my patients about the study?
Please ask your patients to visit this website. Once on the site, they can fill out a short online form, which will determine whether they are eligible to participate. If eligible, they will be contacted by our study team with further instructions on how to complete the survey and the blood collection after vaccination. Eligibility criteria are 18+, who has a chronic immunocompromising condition including but not limited to receipt of an organ transplant, autoimmune or autoinflammatory condition on immunosuppressives, HIV infection, and/or chronic end-organ dysfunction. Participants must be english-speaking with the intention to be vaccinated.
