Home | SeroNet COVID-19 Vaccine Response Study

Participate in the SeroNet COVID-19 Vaccine Response Study

The University of Minnesota is leading a research study that aims to better understand the immune system’s response to COVID-19 vaccines. Our primary focus is to understand if immunocompromised people have different responses to the vaccine.

We are looking for individuals who are planning to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or that already received one. We are interested in studying the vaccine immune response in individuals with or without a prior history of COVID-19 infection. This research study does not provide the COVID-19 vaccine to study participants.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

At least 18 years of age
With or without prior history of COVID-19 infection
Planning to receive or have already received a COVID-19 vaccine

We will measure and compare the immune responses during the course of 2 years after the initial vaccination in 4 groups of individuals:

Individuals who live with HIV
Cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and/or targeted treatment
Transplant patients who have received an organ or hematopoietic cell/bone marrow transplant and immunosuppressive therapy
General population to serve as a healthy control group

FAQs

What happens if I agree to participate in this study?

If you agree to participate in this study you will be asked to donate between 40 - 76 ml (approximately 3 - 5 tablespoons) of blood at each visit, with the option to collect saliva and mucosal (rectal, oral, nasal, and vaginal) swabs for further research studies. We will also ask you to complete a survey about your medical history.

We will contact you periodically for up to two years to collect additional samples and survey data after your vaccination. The samples will be used to monitor the degree and durability of your immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine over time. Your COVID-19 antibody results can be shared with you and with your provider, if you consent to it.

Will I receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of this study?

No, participants will not receive a COVID-19 vaccine as part of this study. The purpose of this study is to determine the degree and durability of COVID-19 vaccine immune response over time.

Is there compensation for study participants?

Participants will receive a $50 prepaid debit card around the mid-point of the study and again near the end of the study. We will also provide antibody test results to study participants. We greatly appreciate your help in conducting this study.

What is my expected time commitment?

You will attend between 3-8 appointments over the course of two years. Each appointment consists of two parts. The first part will be to complete an online survey: you can do that a few days before the appointment, during the appointment, or a few days after. We understand your time is valuable and we want to make sure you can participate in the study without altering your routine. Each survey will take you between 10-15 minutes to complete. The second part of each appointment is the actual study visit, which will take around 20 minutes to complete. Here, we will collect a blood sample and the optional saliva and mucosal swabs.

Who will have access to my test results?

All data will be kept confidential and used for research purposes with the goal to expand our knowledge of COVID-19 vaccine response, particularly in immunocompromised people who are in greatest need of protection from infection. The antibody results can be shared with you and with your healthcare provider, if you consent to it.

Where do I find more information about COVID-19 Vaccines?

On the CDC website you can find answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination. Please feel free to contact your SeroNet COVID-19 Vaccine Response study team to learn more about vaccines.

Who is conducting this study?

Amy Karger, MD, PhD
Study director, SeroNet director
Associate Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology

Stefani Thomas, PhD
Study director, SeroNet PI
Assistant Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology

Bharat Thyagarajan, MD, PhD, MPH
Study director, SeroNet PI
Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology

Rachel Richards
Study Coordinator
612-301-8657
[email protected]