frequently asked questions

What is a vaccine trial?

A vaccine is given to prevent infection or fight disease. Currently there is no vaccine against HIV. Part of the process of finding an HIV vaccine is testing study vaccines that seem most likely to help the body fight HIV. A vaccine trial is a standard way to test a specific study vaccine so that researchers can prove that the study vaccine is safe, and can find out more about whether it might work to prevent or fight disease. Participants who participate in HIV vaccine trials play an important part in this scientific research.

Can a study vaccine cause HIV infection?

It is impossible to get HIV infection or develop AIDS from experimental vaccines. They are not made from live HIV, killed HIV, weakened HIV, or HIV-infected cells. The investigational vaccines in this trial cannot cause HIV infection.

How many shots will I receive?

Four. These shots could be the research vaccines, or they could be placebos. Half of the participants will receive the vaccines and the other half will receive placebos.

What do the study vaccines contain?

The study vaccines in the first three injections contains the following:

  • the HIV genes gag, pol, nef, and env
  • saline solution (salt water)

The study vaccines in the fourth injection contains the following:

  • A weakened form of a cold virus, called adenovirus type 5
  • the HIV genes gag, pol, and env
  • saline solution (salt water)

How do I join the vaccine trial?

After the trial has been fully explained, you will be asked to participate in an informed consent process before enrolling. This process will help to ensure that you have all the information you need to make a personal decision about participation. You will be given plenty of time to consider whether or not you want to join the trial.

Why must participants be circumcised?

Participants must be circumcised because of safety information learned in a previous vaccine study. The study staff will discuss these results with you and make sure you understand them before you decide to participate.

Can I leave the vaccine study at any time?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time without losing the benefits of standard medical care or any other services provided by the trial.

I don't meet your eligibility criteria or live near any of your clinics. But I want to help! What can I do?

Thank you so much for your interest. The success of HIV vaccine research depends largely upon public awareness. We encourage you to keep up on the latest news of our study and spread the word about HIV vaccine research through the following ways:

For more information

About the HIV Vaccine Trials Network: www.hvtn.org
Or contact a participating clinic near you.












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