By Phoebe LaMont, EI blogger
May 18th is National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, an initiative designed to recognize the volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists involved in HIV vaccine research. The awareness day also seeks to educate communities about the importance of HIV vaccine research – including research for a preventative vaccine that would keep someone from acquiring HIV, as well as research for a therapeutic vaccine that would slow or eliminate the progression of the HIV virus in people who are already living with HIV.
Huge strides are being made for HIV prevention. Clinical trials for a vaccine developed by Dr. Shan Lu at the University of Massachusetts Medical School began in March at four sites across the United States.
Trials began with low-risk volunteers and are “double-blinded”—meaning that neither researchers nor trial participants know if they received the vaccine or a placebo until completion of the trial. Volunteers will be receiving counseling in order to minimize risk of HIV infection.
Two other potential vaccines are being tested presently as well: HTVN 702 and Imbokodo, both of which are being tested internationally. Results are expected in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Current trials aim for roughly 60 percent effectiveness. A 2009 vaccine study in Thailand has been the most successful attempt at an HIV vaccine to date – in a study of over 16,000 participants, the vaccine cut infection rates by 31 percent.
While a licensed HIV vaccine is still several years from becoming available to the public, Dr. Lu’s work has brought the scientific community another step closer.
Fortunately, other current measures are effective in preventing HIV transmission. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily medication which reduces the risk of infection through sex by more than 90 percent. Using condoms correctly and consistently is also an effective defense.
Finally, getting tested is the first step in empowering yourself to make informed decisions for your health. To find an HIV testing site in Philadelphia, click here.
Further Reading:
The HIV Vaccine Trials Network
AIDS info – The Basics of HIV Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – National HIV and STD testing
National Institute of Health – NIH and partners launch HIV vaccine efficacy study
UMass Medical School – UMass Medical School HIV vaccine to be tested in new Phase I trial