March 20, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Why It's Hard to Get an HIV/AIDS Vaccine"

Africa News Service (www.allafrica.com) (03/14/02)

While developing an AIDS vaccine has been made difficult by the complexity of the disease, such a product could be available for sub-type A of the disease by 2008.  A reduction in the time needed for clinical trials design, vaccine site preparedness, and product approvals is necessary, asserts the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.  The organization believes that many underdeveloped areas should be the site of parallel efficacy trials of numerous vaccine candidates.  The key to a successful vaccine may be stimulating the production of CTL cells, which are prevalent in people who are resistant to AIDS.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.