RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Is a Third Dose of MMRV Vaccine Beneficial for the Adult Population in Alberta?

This study aims to understand if a third MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine dose is helpful for women who have had two vaccinations but still show low levels of protection. Even after two doses, some people don't have enough antibodies to fight off these illnesses. This can be especially concerning for pregnant women, as rubella or chickenpox during pregnancy can cause serious problems for the baby. Researchers will look at different types of immune responses in these women, including those already getting a third dose through their regular healthcare. They want to find out if standard antibody tests give the full picture of someone's protection, or if other immune responses are also important. The study will help us understand how well vaccinated populations are protected over time.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Alberta

Enrolment target

200

Start

09 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Vaccination Failure Vaccine Response Impaired

What is this study about?

You might have had two doses of the MMR vaccine (for measles, mumps, and rubella) or MMRV vaccine (which also includes chickenpox) in your lifetime. This is the usual number recommended. However, doctors have noticed that even after two doses, some people's protection against these illnesses can decrease over time. This means their body might not have as many 'fighter cells' (antibodies) as expected to ward off an infection. It's currently not clear if these individuals are truly protected if they come into contact with these viruses.

This study is looking at why this happens and what it means. It's particularly important for pregnant women because infections like rubella (German measles) or chickenpox during pregnancy can be very serious for the developing baby. These infections can lead to severe health problems for the child, even though they might seem mild in healthy adults. We want to make sure we truly understand how protected people are and how best to keep everyone, especially pregnant women, safe.

The researchers are interested in finding out if checking for a different type of immune response, called 'cell-mediated immunity', alongside the usual antibody tests, gives a better picture of someone's protection. They will be studying women who have already received a third MMR vaccine dose through their usual healthcare appointments. This study won't give anyone a vaccine itself, but will observe those who have had one. Their aim is to help us better understand how well our vaccines protect us in the long run.

Key takeaways

Looks at how well two doses of MMR vaccine protect people over time.
Investigates if a third MMR vaccine dose helps boost protection.
Important for understanding protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox.
Focuses on pregnant women, as these infections can harm babies.
Examines different types of immune responses, not just antibodies.
Does not give vaccines; observes women who have already had a third dose.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you must be a woman who is currently pregnant. You would also need to have undergone the usual blood tests done during pregnancy to check for rubella protection. This is a common part of prenatal care, so if you've had your routine pregnancy check-ups, you might fit this part of the criteria.

On the other hand, you cannot be part of this study if you are under 18 years old. All participants must be adults aged 18 or older. Also, this study focuses specifically on women who are pregnant, so if you are not pregnant, you would not be eligible.

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 a woman?
Are you currently pregnant?
Have you had routine prenatal screening for rubella antibodies?
Are you 18 years old or older?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is observing women who have already received a third dose of the MMR vaccine as part of their routine healthcare. This means the study itself will not be giving you a vaccine. If you take part, researchers will look at your blood test results. They will be interested in results from your initial blood tests for antibody levels and another type of immune response. They will also look at similar blood test results taken after you received your third MMR vaccine dose. The study will mainly involve reviewing your existing medical information and any further tests you have as part of your normal care. You won't have to take any extra medication specifically for the study, and the overall duration of your participation will depend on when these blood tests were done in relation to your third vaccine dose.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is contributing to important research that could improve our understanding of vaccine protection, especially for pregnant women. This could lead to better guidance for healthcare in the future. As this study mainly involves reviewing blood tests you've already had or would have as part of your normal care, there are no additional medical risks from the study itself. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Alberta
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles), which are common childhood illnesses that can sometimes cause serious problems.

Why would someone need a third MMR dose?

Even after two doses, some people's protection may wear off over time. A third dose might be recommended by your doctor to boost your immunity, particularly if you're in a high-risk group like pregnant women.

What does 'low antibody levels' mean?

Antibodies are like your body's 'fighter cells' against infections. Low levels mean your body might not have as many of these fighters ready to protect you if you come into contact with the virus.

Will I get a vaccine in this study?

No, this study will not give you a vaccine. It's looking at information from women who have already received a third MMR dose as part of their regular healthcare.

Why is this study important for pregnant women?

Infections like rubella or chickenpox during pregnancy can be very harmful to the baby. This study helps ensure pregnant women have the best possible protection.

How to find out more

Carmen Charlton, PhD

carmen.charlton@albertahealthservices.ca 1 (780) 407-8975 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.