NCT07636525 · Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
Sleep and Adolescent Vaccine Immunogenicity Pilot/Observational Study
(SAVI)
What this study is about
The main reason for this research study is to understand whether the sleep habits of 11-12 years-olds impact their response to a vaccine. The vaccine is called MCV4. It protects against meningococcal illness, which is rare but can be severe. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the vaccine be given at age 11 or 12.
View original scientific description
The main reason for this research study is to understand whether the sleep habits of 11-12 years-olds impact their response to a vaccine. The vaccine is called MCV4. It protects against meningococcal illness, which is rare but can be severe. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the vaccine be given at age 11 or 12. The vaccine has been approved for youth in this age range for over 20 years and is one of the vaccines that primary care doctors typically give around this age. However, nobody has studied how sleep affects children's response to it. This could be important because research on adults suggests that sleep affects the immune system. We want to look at that issue in a younger age range. Participating families will be asked to have their child keep their regular sleep schedule during the 5-week study, without much variation. During that time, they will wear a special wristwatch at night to track their sleep. Each day they will fill out a short online form. They and a parent/guardian will come to Cincinnati Children's twice. Each visit will last 1 - 1 ½ hours. The first visit will happen at the end of the 1st week. The second is at the end of the 5th week. During visits, they will fill out forms and we will get data from the wristwatch. During the first visit, the participating child would get the vaccine. During the second, they will have a blood test.
Primary outcome measures
Antibody titers
Time frame: 1 month post-vaccination
Measured via serum bactericidal assay (SBA), which measures the ability of serum antibodies to kill the meningococcus bacteria in the presence of complement protein. The primary outcome will be the proportion of individuals in each group with a titer greater than or equal to 1:8 for each MCV4 serotype (A, C, W, Y), which is a strong correlate of protection.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Healthy 11-12 years olds who have neither had initial meningococcal vaccination nor known exposure to meningococcal illness.
Exclusion criteria
- Condition or treatment resulting in immunosuppression
- Prior severe vaccine reaction
- Symptoms of clinical insomnia or organic sleep disorder
- Known neurologic condition or intellectual/developmental disability
- Use of a medication that impacts sleep
- Average nightly sleep of 8-8.99 hours (between the two groups)
- Daily intake of \>1 coffee or "energy drink" or \>2 caffeinated sodas.
Where
- Cincinnati, Ohio
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 9, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations