Current Studies
Flu Vaccine Study
The Twin Research Registry at SRI International is recruiting twins for a seasonal flu vaccine study led by Stanford University. Healthy fraternal and identical twins in the following age groups are needed to participate in the 2012 study:
- 18-30 fraternal and identical
- 40-64 fraternal and identical
- 65-100 identical twins only
We especially need identical twins age 18-30 and over 65. Participating twins will be compensated for their time and travel expenses, and zygosity will be determined.
The study is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. The goal is to ultimately help scientists develop more effective vaccines.
Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine Study
Restarting in 2013, SRI will again be recruiting identical twin pairs for two studies related to the varicella zoster virus—the virus responsible for chicken pox and shingles. Twins who participate in either study need to have had chicken pox in the past.
We will be seeking healthy twin pairs in the following age groups:
- 40-49 for a single visit to Stanford University, to provide a blood sample
- Age 50 and older. These twins will receive, at no charge, the Zostavax® vaccine to protect against an outbreak of shingles and its associated pain. Four additional visits are needed to measure the immune response to the vaccine.
The Zostavax® vaccine is approved by the FDA for use in adults age 50 years and older.
The information from these studies could lead to an improvement in vaccination strategies and identification of ways to improve vaccine responses in older individuals.
Both twins in a pair need to participate.
