Human Milk Research Study

What is the purpose of the study?

The maternal RSV vaccine was licensed in 2023 for prevention of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in infants up to six months of age. Maternal immunization protects infants via antibodies transferred in utero. Additional benefits may be conferred to infants via human milk-feeding by vaccinated individuals. This study is comparing maternal RSV vaccine-induced antibodies in the milk of lactating individuals who did or did not receive this vaccine during pregnancy.

If you:

• Live in New York City or nearby
• Gave birth or will give birth between September – April (2024-2026)
• Received or did not receive the maternal RSV vaccine while pregnant
• Are breastfeeding, pumping, or planning to do so (exclusively or mixed-feeding) 
• Are due to give birth soon, your baby is less than one month old, or you have frozen milk from the first month
• Can spare a few ounces of milk your baby does not need

Then you are likely eligible to participate.

What does participation involve?

Participation includes: Pumping a milk sample of about two to three ounces within the first month after birth, or providing such a sample that was already frozen (can be pumped over a few days if needed). 

Optionally, participation can also include:

• A finger-stick blood sample that you obtain on your own at home within the first month after birth, using a simple kit we can send you.
• Monthly repetition of these milk and blood samples, for as long as you are able to, up to 12 months postpartum.

Sign Up for Study

Participants will receive $5 per sample (maximum compensation $120).