HIV Vaccine Research: Real People, Real Progress

In the United States and across the globe, the AIDS crisis continues unabated, with more than 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Scientists are developing two different types of vaccines to work against the disease; they are our best hope for slowing the spread of HIV. Preventive HIV vaccines would inoculate HIV-negative individuals from the disease. Therapeutic vaccines would improve the immune system of HIV-positive individuals, prolonging and even saving the lives of millions of people already living with HIV/AIDS.

Currently no vaccines are available to treat or protect individuals from HIV and AIDS. Thousands of clinical trial volunteers, scientists, and health professionals are working hard to make HIV vaccines a reality—one which will only be realized by years of research and community involvement. You can help their progress by becoming educated about HIV vaccines and helping to educate others.

Scientists believe they are getting closer to finding an effective preventive HIV vaccine and are working to speed up the research process. More vaccines are being tested than ever before, and the number of vaccine trial sites is expanding worldwide.

All Americans, especially people who are affected by HIV/AIDS, need to learn more about vaccine research, get involved, and be a part of making an HIV vaccine a reality.

The upside-down AIDS ribbon forms a “V,” signifying “vaccines,” the vision of a world without AIDS, and the need to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS now.

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago has launched "HIV Vaccine Awareness: Real People, Real Progress," a grassroots, statewide campaign dedicated to promoting education and awareness of HIV vaccine research and development. With the support of the National Institutes of Health, AFC is providing educational presentations to organizations across Illinois on vaccines, their development, and why every community should know about vaccines.

To find out more or to host a presentation, contact Sanford Gaylord at 312-922-2322.

Overview of Vaccines, provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control Vaccine Overview

Challenges in Designing HIV Vaccines

Clinical Research on HIV Vaccines

HIV Vaccines Explained—Making HIV Vaccines a Reality (PDF)

NIAID's HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN)

Resources for HIV Vaccine Research and Development