NIH-funded Influenza Vaccine Research Study in Older Adults

Can exercise and/or psychosocial factors influence the immune response to influenza vaccine?
Researchers at Iowa State University will try to answer this question with a 3-year NIH-funded clinical trial.

Information on research study

Health behaviors (diet, exercise, psychosocial factors) may influence resistance to disease. As people age, immune function often declines, leaving older adults more susceptible to infection. Due to this decline in immune function, vaccines may not be as effective. Our research group is interested in finding out if we can improve immunity and vaccine effectiveness among older adults by changing health habits (practicing regular exercise, reducing stress, etc).

Our preliminary studies over the past several years are promising in terms of improving immune response to influenza immunization in older adults. Over the next 3 years, we plan to enroll approximately 100 adults in an exercise program. Through our research, we hope to find ways to improve resistance to infection in the older adult population.