Training the Innate Immune System Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Using the Shingrix Vaccine in Nursing Home Residents

The purpose of this pilot study is to provide preliminary data in support of the concept that training of the innate immune system occurs following immunization (2 doses ,3 months apart) with the Shingrix vaccine as compared to placebo (normal saline) in older adults residing in nursing homes. Two hundred nursing home residents, both men and women, aged >65 years, who have not acquired COVID-19 (verified through a screening questionnaire and by both viral antigen and antibody testing at the screen and least one week before the first injection) will get two intramuscular injections containing either the Shingrix vaccine, and the other half, two injections containing a normal saline (placebo comparison) approximately three months apart. Blood samples are collected before the baseline injection (day zero), 1 day after the second injection (91 days post) and 1 month following the second injection (120 days). Weekly symptom checks and monthly antibody testing around day 180- will identify residents with COVID-19 and the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

The primary outcome is the difference in immune cell capacity to produce type I interferon, interferon associated molecules, and proinflammatory mediators after receiving a 2 injection series of the Shingrix vaccine versus normal saline. Secondary outcomes include differences in hospitalization, pulmonary infections, and positive COVID-19 cases (via antibody testing on days 90, 120, and 180) in the Shingrix and normal saline groups. We anticipate that residents receiving the Shingrix vaccine will demonstrate signs of "trained" immunity compared to a control group receiving saline injections.

Inclusion criteria

• Meet Centers for Medicare and Medicaid definition for Long term care resident.
• 65 years and older.
• Have already received or provide consent to receive the 2020 flu vaccine.
• Negative screen (within the last 2 weeks) for COVID 19 virus.
• Has a history of chickenpox or shingles.
• Able to read and speak English.
• Able to provide informed consent and assent (with guardian/health care proxy).

Exclusion criteria

• Brief Interview of Mental Status (BIMS) score <8 (indicating severe dementia).
• Prior vaccination with the Shingrix.
• Positive test for COVID 19 or prior history of COVID 19 infection.
• Conditions that confound the interpretation of the innate immune measures. (i.e. Terminal condition, receiving hospice, Stage 3 and 4 open wound, Chemotherapy, immune modulators or other immunosuppressants, autoimmune disorders, and BMI < 20 kg/m2).
• Conditions that confound interpretation of respiratory symptoms. (i.e Ventilator dependent, receiving more that 2-3 liters/min of oxygen by nasal cannula, chronic diarrhea, recurrent infections).