Will I be able to get my questions answered before starting a study?
Yes!  Before anyone can participate in a study it will be completely explained during an education session.  Our Education staff will explain the specific details of the trial and go over the consent form.  There is no further obligation to participate after the education session.  If you are interested in setting up an education session, please contact us. 

Can I get infected with HIV/AIDS from the vaccine?
No!  None of the vaccines contain any of the actual virus (alive or dead). Therefore people cannot become infected with HIV from the vaccines.

Who is eligible to be in a vaccine study?
Volunteers in the studies are healthy, uninfected men and women between 18 and 50 years of age from all racial and ethnic groups.

How long does a study last?
Most studies last take place over a period of 12-15 months.

How much time is involved in volunteering for a study?
Most studies include visits about once a month.  Vaccination visits are about 45 minutes long and there are usually three or four throughout the trial. Follow-up visits include blood and urine samples as well as some paperwork.  These occur at various times throughout the study and usually last fifteen to twenty minutes. The beginning of the study is a little busier due to screening and vaccination appointments.  However, the last 4 months of the study have less visits.  

Do I get any money for participating in a study?
There is monetary compensation provided as well as free parking.

What if I change my mind once I have started a study?
A volunteer may withdraw from a study at any time, for any reason.

What happens once I learn about the study and want to participate in it?
After an education session, volunteers go through a pre-screening process to see if they meet the health criteria for participation. The pre-screening process usually includes a physical exam, blood tests and urinalysis.  If all of the screening results come back within normal limits then you can start the trial with the first vaccination visit. 

With more questions, please feel free to contact us.