CompletedEarly Phase 1

Non-specific Effects of FLU-MMR Vaccines in Adults

Brazil638 participantsStarted 2021-06-01

Plain-language summary

Various observational studies have reported an association between influenza vaccination and lower rates of infection with SARS-Cov-2 and less COVID-19 disease severity have been reported in large epidemiological studies in US, Brazil and Italy. Observational studies from the Netherlands showed also strongly reduced COVID-19 infection rates among influenza-vaccinated healthcare workers, with ORs of 0.61 and 0.49 for the first and second wave of COVID-19, respectively. In addition, in-vitro immunological analyses showed that the quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine can induce a trained immunity program against SARS-CoV-2 (2). In-vivo vaccination against influenza was also shown to induce improved interferon responses against SARS-CoV-2, with modulation of hyperinflammatory responses. Trained immunity could be the underlying mechanism for the potential protective effect of influenza vaccine, a mechanism that has also been proven for BCG vaccination, and epidemiological evidence suggests similar non-specific effects of MMR and OPV vaccination. Currently, various clinical trials are being conducted to study the impact of BCG, MMR and OPV vaccination on COVID-19, but prospective clinical data on influenza vaccination are lacking. Although specific COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and are proven effective, there are important reasons for assessing in a controlled randomized trial the effect of influenza and MMR vaccine on COVID19: * Specific COVID-19 vaccines are still not yet available for all segments of the population, and especially not for the majority of the population in developing countries. * The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially the P1 variant from Brazil, may very well be associated with reduced response to vaccines. An immunomodulatory protective vaccine that protects in an antigen-independent manner would be of great importance. * It would also be conceptually important to know whether influenza and the MMR vaccine can induce heterologous protection against another viral infection, in the context of future pandemics.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: To be eligible to participate in this study, the participant must meet the following criteria: • Be older than 18 years old. Observation: the elderly is at risk for severe forms of COVID-19, therefore, the evidence in this age group is very relevant. However, they can also be a first priority population to receive a specific vaccine, limiting the time to follow-up on the study. In addition, influenza and MMR vaccines can lead to a lower immune system in the elderly than in young people. Therefore, it is likely that a more rational choice will be to carry out the study in a young population. Exclusion Criteria: Participants will not be included in the study if they present (reported by the research participants): * Known allergy to components of influenza and MMR vaccines or serious adverse events to previous administration. * Fever (\> 38 degrees Celsius) in the last 24 hours. * Pregnancy. Note: pregnancy should be avoided for one month after vaccination. * Symptoms of active viral or bacterial infection. * Documented diagnosis of COVID-19. * Vaccination in the last 4 weeks against SARS-CoV-2. * Immunocompromised participants. This exclusion category includes: a) infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1); b) neutropenic participant with less than 500 neutrophils/mm3; c) participant with organ transplantation; d) participants with bone marrow transplantation; e) participants in chemotherapy treatment; f) participants with primary immunode…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during 1 year follow up

Timeframe: 3 months after inclusion

Cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Timeframe: 6 months after inclusion

Cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Timeframe: 12 months after inclusion

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05401448

SponsorRadboud University Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2021-12-31

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