Gay men are needed to participate in a new HIV vaccine study. Those interested in joining the study can call (415) 554-9068 or visit the Web site www.sfisready.org.

Matthew S. Bajko writes:
The new study, known as the HVTN 505 Study, will examine if the new vaccine can decrease the viral load of those people who become infected with HIV. While it may also help prevent HIV infections, researchers will be closely monitoring participants to see if they do become HIV-positive what impact the vaccine may have on the onset of their illness. "It is designed to find cells already infected and to reduce the amount of virus in people if they do get infected. If we get clues that we can accomplish that, it will be a huge next step in developing a safe and effective vaccine," said Jonathan Fuchs, director of vaccine studies at the San Francisco Department of Public Health. "It may not prevent infection but we hope this vaccine will work and it will reduce the burden of infection." READ MORE