SPEAKE, CATE PHD, BS

PROJECT NARRATIVE People with Down syndrome exhibit advanced immune aging and have reduced response to influenza immunization compared to people without Down syndrome. Here, we propose a clinical trial to test whether high-dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone), already standard of care for people over the age of 65, is safe and effective to improve response to immunization in people with Down syndrome who are less than 65 years old. Our study will improve scientific understanding of the basis of reduced immune response in Down syndrome; if the trial is positive, high dose immunization is a rapidly actionable public health approach to improve respiratory health in this population.