National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is observed annually on May 18th. This day was designated to promote awareness of the importance of HIV vaccine research and to recognize the efforts of scientists, healthcare professionals, and community members who are working towards finding an effective vaccine against HIV.
As declared by former President Bill Clinton in 1997, "only a truly effective, preventive HIV vaccine can limit and eventually eliminate the threat of AIDS."
National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is a collaboration between the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, and other organizations working on HIV prevention, testing, and vaccine research.
What is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is an infectious disease that attacks the immune system. If left untreated, progressive damage to the immune system can lead to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.The most common modes of transmission are sexual contact, shared intravenous needles, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Anyone, despite sexual orientation or gender identity can be infected, so it’s important that everyone get’s tested regularly.
Is There a Vaccine for HIV?
There is currently no vaccine or cure for HIV. However, a class of medications known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively serves as a preventive vaccine. Along with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication.
PrEP and PEP can be used by all people living without HIV. For those infected with HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has proven effective at suppressing the virus, allowing them to lead longer and healthier lives.
Significant progress has been made in HIV vaccine research, and several potential vaccines are in various stages of clinical trials. Public awareness initiatives like HIV Vaccine Awareness Day present the opportunity for everyone to get caught up on the status of vaccine research.
What Can the Preventive HIV Vaccine Do?
PReP medications stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and fight off HIV before it can take root, essentially reducing the risk of contraction.
Some PReP drugs claim to reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99%, but as with all medical matters, sexually active people should consult their doctors to find the best preventive HIV vaccine for them.
How to Spread Awareness for the HIV Vaccine
Everyone can do their individual part to promote HIV vaccine awareness. Here's a look at some of the best and most effective actions you can take right now.
Take an HIV test
25% of HIV infections stem from people who are unaware they have it. Frequent testing is the best way to know your HIV status and help prevent the spread of the disease.
Donate to organizations
Several LGBTQ+ and healthcare organizations work to promote HIV awareness. Donating to these groups is a great way to contribute to the HIV cause. The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus is one such organization, make a tax-free donation today.
Create a supportive environment
In the early years of the AIDS pandemic, stigma around HIV and AIDS delayed efforts to find treatments, vaccines, and a cure. When you create a supportive, understanding environment, you help us move closer towards a future free of HIV.
Support HIV Awareness by Donating to SFGMC
Whenever the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus performs, we sing for our former chorus members who were lost to the AIDS pandemic. We call this group our "Fifth Section," and we honor them through music and activism.
The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus holds many events throughout the year to promote HIV awareness. Join our mission by donating today.
FAQs
When did the preventative HIV vaccine come out?
The FDA approved the first PReP HIV preventive vaccine in July 2012. Efforts for a vaccine to inoculate the population against HIV have been underway since 1987.
What is the problem with the HIV vaccine?
PReP medications do not provide immunity to HIV and must be taken regularly to be effective. As with any medication, there is a long list of potential side effects from taking PReP medications.
Can you get AIDS without HIV?
No. AIDS is a condition caused by an HIV infection. The idea that you can get AIDS without HIV is not backed by medical science and is one of the many misconceptions about the disease seen over the years.
Where did HIV come from?
The origins of HIV are believed to stem from a type of chimpanzee in Central Africa. Some studies have shown the virus was transferred to humans through the consumption of infected meat in the late 19th century or early 20th century. However, the virus was not identified until the 1980s. The earliest known case of HIV in humans was detected in a blood sample from 1959. However, the virus likely circulated for decades in underdeveloped countries. In the early 1980s, HIV infection was almost entirely associated with the gay community. As the media and politicians pushed this false narrative, the disease spread to pandemic levels. Today, it is understood that HIV and AIDS can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
How do I know if I have HIV?
The only way to be sure you have HIV is to get tested. HIV testing has come a long way, and there are now several simple, confidential methods to learn your HIV status. This includes a blood test, an oral swab, or a finger prick test. They all detect the presence of HIV antibodies or the virus itself. Since many drugs can now treat HIV effectively, it's best to get tested regularly and seek appropriate medical care if a test shows you have the virus.
What are the symptoms of HIV?
The symptoms of HIV can vary from person to person. You may even have no symptoms, especially in the early stages of HIV infection. Flu-like symptoms are common among those with the virus, including a sore throat, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rashes are also common, particularly on the body's trunk. Lymph nodes may also become swollen, particularly those in the neck, groin, and armpits.
When is National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day?
The National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is held annually on May 18. To observe the day, look for events in your area that support the development of HIV vaccines. Share groups that work to prevent HIV infection on your social media feeds, and support those groups financially. One worthy example is the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative.