Immune and Hormone Response to Influenza Vaccine

Phase 4

Completed

Conditions: Healthy

Interventions: Biological: Seasonal Inactivated Influenza Vaccine

Registration Number: NCT01978262

Lead Sponsor: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Brief Summary: The purpose of this pilot research project is to look at the effect of the inactivated influenza vaccine (seasonal flu shot) on early signs of immune or germ-fighting response known as cytokines or signal molecules. The investigators also want to see if the timing of vaccine administration has any effect on women's reproductive hormones. The investigators hypothesis is that influenza vaccine given right before ovulation may change the hormone levels usually seen after ovulation. Thi

Detailed Description: This study is an open-label, longitudinal study of healthy young women of reproductive age, not on hormonal contraception who receive seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV). The women will be followed for one menstrual cycle to measure luteinizing hormone surge, estradiol, and progesterone, and then vaccinated with the seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine prior to ovulation during a second month. At the investigator's discretion, or if there is active circulation of influenza virus in Baltimore, the investigators will vaccinate during the first menstrual cycle (prior to ovulation) and then follow for a second menstrual cycle for comparison. After vaccination, they will be followed for cytokine and chemokine responses as well as changes in the concentrations of steroid hormones. This study will evaluate the effect of IIV on inflammatory cytokines and hormonal responses before and after ovulation. Each woman will have 13 visits in addition to a screening visit, and will be followed for 2 complete menstrual cycles.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: COMPLETED

Sex: Female

Target Recruitment: 103

Inclusion Criteria

Women 18-39 years of age who are in good health.
Good general health as a result of review of medical history and/or clinical testing at the time of screening.
Available for the duration of the trial.
Willingness to participate in the study as evidenced by signing the informed consent document.
Willing to be abstinent or to use non-hormonal methods of contraception for the duration of the study.
History of normal menstrual cycles (26-35 days in length) for at least 3 months.
Willingness to refrain from routine vaccination (except as administered during study) for the duration of the study.

Exclusion Criteria

Use of contraceptive pills, patch, injection or other hormonal therapies in the preceding 3 months (6 months for DepoProvera)
A history of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis to any of the components of IIV or to eggs.
Previous receipt of a same season licensed influenza vaccine.
Pregnancy as determined by a positive urine or serum human choriogonadotropin (β-hCG) test at any point during the study or in the preceding 3 months.
Currently is lactating or breast-feeding.
Fewer than 3 normal menstrual cycles since conclusion of last pregnancy or last use of hormonal birth control.
A history of autoimmune disease, or any other chronic medical condition considered clinically significant by the investigator.
History of HIV, Hepatitis C or active Hepatitis B.
Known immunodeficiency syndrome.
History of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Use of chronic oral or intravenous administration (≥14 days) of immunosuppressive doses of steroids, i.e., prednisone >10 mg per day, immunosuppressants or other immune-modifying drugs within 30 days of starting this study. (Use of topical, nasal or inhaled steroids is permitted)
Receipt of a live vaccine within 4 weeks or a killed vaccine within 2 weeks prior to study start or during study.
Receipt of blood or blood-derived products (including immunoglobulin) within 6 months prior to study vaccination.
Receipt of another investigational vaccine or drug within 30 days prior to study start, or during study.
Ongoing, daily use of analgesics or anti-inflammatory medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Occasional use, and use associated with menstrual periods is acceptable.

Study & Design

Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL

Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
healthy woman	Seasonal Inactivated Influenza Vaccine	All women are to receive the quadrivalent influenza vaccine

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Levels of Progesterone After Influenza Vaccination	2 months	To explore whether receipt of IIV during the second week of the menstrual cycle (i.e., the week prior to ovulation) is associated with changes in steroid hormone levels, particularly decreases in progesterone, following ovulation.

Secondary Outcome Measures