The TropCOVID Project is a James Cook University (JCU) research study examining how immune responses to COVID-19 change over time in adults living in Far North Queensland.

There is limited information about how long COVID-19 immune responses persist in regional tropical communities. TropCOVID will help describe patterns of immunity in FNQ and support planning for larger future studies.

The study looks at how the body remembers COVID-19 over time. It measures antibodies, which are proteins in the blood that can recognise the virus, and T cells, which are immune cells that help the body respond if it encounters the virus again. The researchers will examine how these immune responses change over the 12-month study period.

You may be eligible if you are aged 18 years or over, live in Far North Queensland, can provide repeat small blood samples, and are willing to complete brief health questionnaires. The study aims to include adults aged 18–65 years, adults aged 65 years or over, and adults with regular patient-facing healthcare exposure.

Yes. Previous COVID-19 infection, vaccination history, and other common infections do not exclude you. This information helps the researchers interpret changes in immune responses over time.

You should not donate while acutely unwell. People with a medical reason that makes venepuncture unsuitable will not be able to provide a sample. The research team will discuss any relevant health concerns with you before collection.

Participation involves up to five blood donations of approximately 30 mL: one at enrolment and then approximately every three months over 12 months. You will also complete a short health questionnaire at each collection.

The brief health questions take about five minutes. Most follow-up blood donation appointments are expected to take approximately 15 minutes in total, including the health questions, blood collection, and a short recovery period if needed. Your first appointment may take a little longer because the research team will explain the study, answer any questions, and obtain your written consent. At each later appointment, you will be asked to confirm that you are still happy to take part.

Blood is collected from a vein in your arm by a trained phlebotomist. As with any blood test, possible effects include brief discomfort, bruising, light-headedness, or fainting. You may remain seated after collection, and the phlebotomist will provide appropriate care if you feel unwell.

The questionnaire asks about previous infections, vaccination history, recent illness, and medicines that may influence immune function. Your age and sex will also be recorded. You do not need to have had COVID-19 to participate.

No. TropCOVID tests are for research only and are not diagnostic tests. They cannot tell you whether you currently have COVID-19 or confirm your personal level of protection from future infection.

Your sample will be processed for research testing of antibodies and immune cells. Components of the sample may be securely stored for the duration of the project, for up to three years, then disposed of using approved JCU biological-waste procedures.

Your samples and research data will be labelled with a study code rather than your name. The link between your identity and study code is stored separately with restricted access. Research findings will be reported in grouped form, so individuals will not be identified.

Yes. Participation is entirely voluntary. You may decline a future donation, stop receiving reminders, or withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason and without affecting your relationship with JCU or the research team. You may request removal of your samples and data before they are de-identified and included in the batched laboratory analysis, which is expected to begin after the 12-month collection period. After your samples and data have been de-identified and incorporated into analysis, they can no longer be individually identified or removed.

Please contact the TropCOVID research team directly at: daniel.browne@jcu.edu.au.

You will be provided with the Participant Information Sheet and time to decide whether participation is right for you.