Systems Biology of Zoster Vaccine (ZOSTAVAX®) in Young and Elderly

Detailed Summary

Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing infectious diseases. Despite the success of vaccines in general, vaccines induce diminished antibody responses and lower protection in the elderly in particular. This could be explained by a defect in the early responses of an ageing immune system. A better understanding of the basic immunological mechanisms that mediate vaccine efficacy is incomplete. Such information is critical and could greatly decrease both the cost and the time to new vaccine development particularly for the geriatric population. In this trial, the investigators will study the immunologic differences of the FDA approved licensed shingles vaccine between a younger and an older group. Thirty three healthy volunteers between the ages of 25-40 and forty four healthy volunteers between the ages of 60-79 will be enrolled in the study. Each participant in the study will be given one shingles shot. Blood work will be obtained one month before vaccination, on the day of vaccination, one day, three days, seven days, fourteen days, one month, three months and six months after vaccination. Throughout the duration of the study, the participants will be monitored for safety.

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Interventions