AEGiS-BAYW: Paging HIV vaccine volunteers

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Paging HIV vaccine volunteers

Bay Windows - May 11, 2006
Ethan Jacobs, ejacobs@baywindows.com

Three community health organizations will mark the ninth annual National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day May 18 with a community forum at the South End's Union United Methodist Church that will inform people about the latest developments in the search for a vaccine. Jim Maynard, core manager for research and evaluation for Fenway Community Health, which is one of the event sponsors, said that while attendees will also learn about how to volunteer in vaccine trials, the event is geared toward anyone interested in learning about HIV vaccine research. Fenway is co-sponsoring the event with the Multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC) and the Latin American Health Institute (LHI).

Boston is one of the sites currently working on a worldwide trial of a new vaccine, and Fenway is working to recruit 100 men who have sex with men (MSM) to take part in the trial. Maynard said Fenway currently has 59 participants and is looking to meet their recruiting goal by the end of the year.

Maynard said part of the impetus for the event is to dispel misinformation about HIV vaccine research. In working to recruit participants for the study, Maynard said he and other recruiters have heard a range of misconceptions about vaccine research, from those who believe participants will be injected with HIV (or a vaccine containing HIV) to those who think the vaccine is designed for those who are already HIV positive. Maynard said there is no HIV virus in the vaccine, and it is meant to prevent infection, not to cure HIV. Fenway is seeking out HIV-negative gay and bi men to participate in the study who are non-monogamous and sexually active.

The event will feature a panel on vaccine research featuring both researchers and one current study participant, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask their questions about HIV vaccine research.

The National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day forum will take place May 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Union United Methodist Church. For more information about the event or the vaccine study call 617.927.6450 or visit www.fenwayhealth.org and click on the link for research studies.

060511
BY060503

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .