The purpose of this study is to learn more about the immune response to varicella zoster virus (VZV).
Participants 70 years of age or older will receive the FDA-approved shingles vaccine (Zostavax). Blood samples and optional skin biopsies will be obtained before and after vaccination to study the immune responses to shingles vaccination.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
University of Washington Virology Research Clinic
Seattle, Washington, United States
Percentage of Th1 Cytokine Positive VZV-specific CD4 T-cells in Blood
To determine if Zostavax, when given as FDA indicated, boosts VZV-specific T-cells in the blood
Time frame: 6 months
Percentage of Th1 Cytokine Positive VZV-specific CD4 T-cells in Skin
To determine if shingles disease boosts the local level of VZV-specific T cells in skin 4 weeks after Zostavax
Time frame: 4 weeks
Number of Participants With Adverse Events Due to Zostavax
To measure the occurrence of adverse events after Zostavax.
Time frame: 6 months
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