Influenza Virus Vaccine Plus Vitamin A and D Supplements for Prevention of Respiratory Virus Infections in Children

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Antibody Induction by Vitamin Supplementation at the Time of Influenza Virus Vaccinations in Children

Children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory virus infections, especially influenza. Vitamin A & D deficiencies are associated with vulnerability to infectious diseases of the respiratory tract. The central hypothesis of this protocol is that vitamin supplements will enhance antibody responses toward the flu vaccine in children. Children, 2-8 years old, will be randomized to receive influenza virus vaccine with a vitamin A+D supplement or influenza virus vaccine with placebo. Children will be tested for vitamin levels and immune responses before and after influenza virus vaccinations to determine if vitamin supplementation improves the influenza virus vaccine-induced immune response.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

• To assess the vaccine-induced and total antibody (including IgG and IgA) response after influenza virus vaccine administration and IgA/IgG plus IgA/IgM ratios at 28 and 56 days in sera

SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:

• To assess the neutralizing response toward influenza virus vaccine in the sera.

Participants will be randomized to receive either an influenza virus vaccine plus Vitamins A & D or an influenza virus vaccine plus placebo. They will be stratified based on retinol binding protein (RBP) levels at screening, using a cut-off indicative of Vitamin A insufficiency (≤22,000 ng/ml). Co-enrolled sibling participants will be first stratified by RBP levels, then siblings within the same stratum will be equally assigned to different arms to provide greater assurance of balanced treatment assignment. Children will be tested for vitamin levels and immune responses before and after influenza virus vaccinations to determine if vitamin supplementation improves the influenza virus vaccine-induced antibody immune response.

All participants will receive two doses of an influenza virus vaccination administered at least 28 days apart. Vitamin levels and antibody responses toward the vaccine will be measured on day 0 (baseline levels obtained where day 0 equals the first influenza virus vaccination administration), day 28, and day 56. Placebo or Vitamins A + D (at the levels of 20,000 IU and 2,000 IU, respectively) will be administered orally on the days of vaccination.

Blood serum samples will be collected from participants on Day 0, prior to receiving influenza virus vaccine on Day 28, and during their Day 56 follow-up visit.

Parents will be asked to fill out diary cards to indicate food intake for children during the study period along with an optional food frequency questionnaire given on day 56. Specific measurements on days 28, and 56 will include analyses of vaccine-specific and total IgA, IgG, and IgA/IgG plus IgA/IgM ratios in sera. Functional activities of antibodies toward influenza vaccine will also be measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Resident of the Memphis area community.
• Parent or legal guardian willing and able to give informed consent and comply with study requirements.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current use of investigational or immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., steroids) at the time of enrollment.
• Currently taking a daily (routine) vitamin A, D, or multivitamin. Note: participants who report occasional or sporadic vitamin use will be allowed to enroll.
• History of lung disease, asthma, immunodeficiency, sickle cell disease, or any other serious underlying condition or disease in the opinion of the principal investigator.
• Evidence of developmental delay or evolving neurological disorders at screening. Current use of antibiotics or antivirals at enrollment.
• History of having a severe allergy to eggs or to any inactive ingredient in the influenza virus vaccine
• History of a life-threatening reaction to influenza vaccinations
• Currently wheezing at the time of enrollment
• History of heart, kidney, or lung conditions
• History of diabetes
• Use of an anti-influenza medication (including amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir, and zanamivir) within 14 days prior to enrollment
• Acute febrile [>100.0°F (37.8°C) oral] illness or acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough or sore throat) within 3 days prior to enrollment
• Previous receipt of current seasonal influenza vaccine