About AIDS

Want to make a contribution to ending the AIDS epidemic around the world? Here's your chance: Volunteer for vaccine research. Central Texas Clinical Research, the local research group, is seeking healthy, HIV-negative adult participants in a promising HIV vaccine study.

The vaccine being tested, developed by pharmaceutical giant Merck, is made from a man-made copy of one of HIV's proteins. It does not contain a whole virus or any reproducible part, so there is no danger of becoming infected with HIV by participating.

Volunteers receiving a similar vaccine had only minor soreness at the injection site as a reaction, typical of vaccinations or any other shot. However, pregnant women may not participate, because impact on fetal development is unknown.

Participants are asked to commit to making 20 visits over 19 months. There will be three injections, several physical exams and some blood draws; $75 compensation will be paid for each visit. Annual visits over the next four years are also needed for follow-up research. The physical exams and blood lab work are all free, and copies of the results are available, if desired.

Researchers hope that this vaccine will produce a meaningful immune response in humans; it did in animal subjects. However, they do not know yet if it will provide protection against HIV infection. So, please do not assume that by taking the vaccine, you would be "immune" and could engage in risk behavior willy-nilly!

Ultimately, an HIV vaccine – not treatment – will be the answer to stopping this viral pandemic. To find out if you can help in this goal, please call Robin at Central Texas Clinical Research, 480-9660.