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Why test an HIV vaccine here? Why now?
The University of Pennsylvania HIV Prevention Research Division is one of just 14 research facilities in the U.S. participating in a new study seeking a safe, effective, affordable HIV vaccine. We know HIV vaccines are our best hope of ending AIDS. Why here? Why now? And most importantly, why should you consider participating?
Over 19,835 Philadelphia AIDS cases (not HIV infections- just AIDS cases) have been reported to the city since the epidemic began in 1981. In 2006, estimates show that over 200 men who have sex with men were diagnosed with HIV infections in Philadelphia. Even though condoms and good HIV treatment medicines are available, men continue to become infected with HIV every day in Philadelphia.
Conducting an HIV vaccine trial is a significant undertaking that requires many resources and a thoughtful understanding of the affected community. UPenn’s HIV Prevention Research Division has longstanding expertise in this kind of project. The staff includes experienced doctors, nurses, and researchers as well as first-rate laboratory facilities. As important, the Penn group is highly committed to sustaining an excellent relationship with the GLBT community in Philadelphia.
Having the most committed research team, or even a potentially promising vaccine, are useless unless there are people willing to take the brave step of considering participation in vaccine research studies. Such an opportunity exists right now. UPenn is looking for 18 to 50 year old HIV negative men who have sex with men to participate in this HIV vaccine study. You cannot get HIV from the vaccine, but you can play a role in ending the HIV epidemic.
To learn more, call Penn at 1-866-448-7366, or go to http://hopetakesaction.org.
Follow UPenn’s HIV Vaccine Prevention Division on Twitter @PhillyVax
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HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Division
I am to old, at 49, for your current study, but I would be wiling to offer my help. Are there any other studies I could participate in? I meet all the other criteria. Thank You.
Hi Steven,
Thank you for your interest in HIV vaccine research. Please feel free to contact me at 215-746-7357 and we can chat about how you can assist with the present HVTV 505 HIV vaccine trial. We also have a community advisory board (CAB) and we can discussion participating on the CAB. Thank you again. Annet
Hi Steve: Good news- the study criteria have changed, and we are now accepting men up to age 50. If you are still interested please give us a call at 215-746-7368. Thanks so much.
I recived a call earlyer today, but my phone was dead all day. I was wondering if there was a certian time I could call back, or is this a hot-line that will be answered at anytime
You can call us now at 866-448-7366 or 215-746-7355. We look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Annet
how much are you compensated for participating in the trial?
James: We pay $35 and two SEPTA tokens for each visit. We also thank you endlessly for doing your part to find a safe, effective vaccine against HIV.
If a person were to become a test subject for the vaccine, does that entitle the subject to be exposed to the HIV virus while in the program to test the subject resistance to the virus? Or is it that this study is look for the risk and side effects of a completed vaccination to the HIV virus.
Phillip: Our goal is to find a safe, effective affordable HIV vaccine, while doing everything we can to help you stay HIV uninfected. We will provide you with risk reduction counseling and supplies, as well as free HIV testing, to help you stay healthy.