Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Maternal pertussis immunization in Finland, 4 years (MIFI-4Y)

The MIFI-4Y study is investigating the long-term protection against whooping cough (pertussis) in young children. Specifically, it's looking at children whose mothers received a pertussis vaccine during pregnancy. The study wants to understand how effective this protection is when the children are around four years old. Researchers are measuring the level of specific protective substances (antibodies) in the children's blood to see how strong their immunity is. This information helps us understand the lasting benefits of vaccinating pregnant mothers to keep their babies and young children safe from whooping cough.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Varsinais-Suomen hyvinvointialue

Enrolment target

138

Start

30 Apr 2024

Pertussis

What is this study about?

This study, called MIFI-4Y, is looking at how well a vaccine given to mothers protects their children from whooping cough, also known as pertussis, for a longer time. Whooping cough is a serious lung infection that can be very dangerous, especially for babies and young children.

The vaccine used in this study helps the mother's body make special protective substances, called antibodies. These antibodies can then pass to the baby during pregnancy, offering them some protection right from birth, when they are most vulnerable to whooping cough.

Researchers are checking the levels of these protective antibodies in children when they are about four years old. This helps us understand how long the protection from the mother's vaccination lasts, which is important for making sure children are kept safe from this illness. This study is like a check-up to see the long-term benefits of this important vaccine.

Key takeaways

This study tracks long-term protection from whooping cough in children.
It checks how well vaccines given to mothers protect their children over time.
Researchers are measuring protective substances (antibodies) in children's blood.
The goal is to understand how long this vaccine protection lasts.
This helps improve guidance on keeping children safe from whooping cough.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults who are 18 years and older. There is no upper age limit, meaning older adults can also take part.

Both men and women are welcome to participate in this study. The study does not have any restrictions based on your gender.

It's important to remember that this particular study is a follow-up of children whose mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy, so participants will already have been part of an earlier research effort.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you participating in, or is your child participating in, the MIFI study?
Are you the mother of a child who received the pertussis vaccine during pregnancy?
Is your child currently around 4 years old?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

As a follow-up study, your child would likely have already been involved in the earlier part of this research. Taking part usually means some visits to a clinic. During these visits, a small blood sample would be taken from your child to measure their antibody levels. There might also be questions about your child's health since their last visit. The total duration of this specific follow-up portion of the study assesses protection at the 4-year mark, so it’s a snapshot at that age.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of this study include helping us understand more about how long vaccines protect children from whooping cough, which can lead to better health recommendations for families in the future. The risks of participating are generally low, mainly involving the discomfort of a blood test. You (or your child) always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Finland

Common questions

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a serious chest infection that causes severe coughing fits, making it hard to breathe. It's especially dangerous for babies.

Why is this study looking at children at 4 years old?

The study wants to see how long the protection from the mother's vaccine lasts in children. Checking at 4 years helps understand the long-term effects.

What is a vaccine?

A vaccine is a medicine that helps your body learn to fight off certain diseases without actually getting sick with them.

What are 'antibodies'?

Antibodies are special protective substances made by your body that recognise and fight off germs like those that cause whooping cough.

Will my child get another vaccine in this study?

This study is mainly about checking antibody levels and not about giving new vaccines. The vaccine was given to the mothers during their pregnancy.