Frequently Asked Questions

Who is running the trials?

The trials are being coordinated by the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, funded through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

In the past, other research has been carried out on people without telling them the risks. How can I trust what I'm being told now?

There have been changes in the law. Now volunteers must be told exactly what is happening, and must give informed consent, in writing, to show they understand. Special advisory boards including community volunteers and representatives from the scientific community monitor the recruitment and treatment of volunteers.

How do you expect a vaccine to work?

We expect that the vaccine will cause the immune system to produce antibodies and /or T-lymphocytes, which can suppress or kill HIV if the person is ever exposed.

How will you know whether these vaccines work?

At this stage, all results come through blood tests or other laboratory tests that measure the immune response. The lab tests tell us if the immune response is strong enough to kill HIV, how long the effects of the vaccine last, and if the effects are broad enough to suppress or kill different strains of the virus.

Is there any risk of getting HIV from the test vaccine?

It is not possible to get HIV through the vaccine because there is no live or killed HIV in it.

How do you know the vaccines are safe in other ways?

All vaccines are tested in animals first. When we test them in humans, we start with very small doses and then monitor the volunteers for side effects.

What are the usual side effects?

Most people can expect soreness or redness at the site of injection for a day or so. People can also have mild flu-like symptoms. We do not know of any more serious reactions, but they are theoretically possible.

Will I test HIV positive as a result of the vaccine?

Some people may have a false positive test on the most common blood tests for HIV because they develop antibodies to the vaccine. There are other tests that can prove you are not really infected.

If I develop a false positive HIV test, could my partner become positive too?

No. It is not possible to pass on antibodies to someone else.

Might I be protected against HIV?

You should not assume that you will be protected by the vaccines tested in these trials because we do not know yet if these vaccines actually work. You should avoid behavior that puts you at risk for HIV infection.

What type of volunteers are needed?

We are looking for healthy people aged 18-40, men and women, and people from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.

Why different backgrounds?

The immune response is linked to genetic inheritance. Degrees of immune response may vary be different among people of diverse backgrounds and gender.

Who is excluded?

We exclude people who have certain health problems. We also exclude pregnant women, to avoid a risk to the fetus.

Will anyone know I am participating?

No one will be told you are participating without your consent. The fact that you are helping test the vaccine will be confidential.

What is the process for volunteers?

As well as a vaccination, you will have a number of other tests, including blood tests to monitor safety and show how your immune system is responding. You will need to make 15-20 visits to the clinic, for approximately 18-24 months.

If I volunteer, is there any way I can change my mind later?

You will be free to withdraw from the study at any time.