Hawaii HIV Vaccine Trial

*NOTICE*

I want to send a big MAHALO out to everyone who called and emailed about entering the study. And an every BIGGER MAHALO to all the study participants! By participating in this research, each of you are helping to bring us one step closer to stopping the spread of HIV!

The study has been up and running here in Hawaii for over 18 months already! Man, does time fly when you're having fun. Or, atleast I hope everyone involved in the study is still having some degree of fun... I know I have enjoyed working with everyone so far!

Thank you to everyone!! Please continue to check out this page often. I will add study updates as they become available, and will try to add links for related info at least once a month! Also, please check out the information below for background information on the study and links to sites which helped us get the word out.

Help make a difference!
Join in the fight to control the spread of HIV!
Be a part of research that may bring an end to any new cases of HIV or AIDS!

Can I get HIV or AIDS from the vaccine?

There is no possibility that the study vaccine can infect you with HIV. The vaccine is made from genetically engineered proteins ("man-made") which make up the outer shell of the HIV virus. The vaccine does not contain any live virus material. You will never be injected with HIV during this study.

Does the vaccine work?

We don't know. Some of the questions to be asked (and hopefully answered!) in this study:

Does the vaccine help prevent HIV infection?
If so, how well does it work?
What are the side effects of this vaccine?

Does being on the study mean I can have unprotected sex?

We do not know if the vaccine works, nor do we know who is receiving the placebo or vaccine. All participants will receive risk reduction counseling that may help avoid exposure to HIV.

What is a placebo?

A placebo looks the same as the actual vaccine but does not contain the vaccine. The suspension used in both the placebo and the vaccine is the same. After the close of the study, you will be told whether you received vaccine or placebo. If the vaccine is licensed, anyone in the placebo group will be offered the vaccine at no charge.

What risks are possible on the vaccine study?

Common side effects of both the vaccine and placebo include swelling, soreness, or redness at the site of the injection. These reactions are similar to most vaccines such as hepatitis B, influenza, typhoid, etc. All side effects will be monitored throughout the study. Other side effects not previously seen could occur. No serious vaccine-related side effects have been noted to date.

How do I get more information about the study?

To get more information about the study, please call Scott O'Neal at the Hawai`i AIDS Clinical Research Program (HACRP) at:

On O`ahu: 734-6712
Neighbor Islands: 1-800-806-8208

Or send email to: oneal@hawaii.edu

Any and all personal information you give to the study (i.e. your name, phone number, etc..) will be held strictly confidential and will not be released outside the HACRP office.

Why do we need a vaccine for HIV/AIDS?

AIDS has already claimed 12 million lives.
30 million individuals are infected with HIV.
Over $1 billion is spent each year looking for a cure.
Only an effective preventive vaccine can limit and eventually eliminate the HIV epidemic.

Where can I get more information about:

Hawai`i HIV Vaccine Trial