Before there was COVID…

Lately, everyone has been talking about “the vaccine” and asking, “Are you vaccinated?” But long before COVID-19 took over the news media, there was another vaccine that was promoted and on May 18, we recognize National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day.

HIV, a short term for Human Immunodeficiency Virus is related to Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is a virus that can be transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. It is commonly spread by way of blood products, like using unclean hypodermic needles or coming in contact with tainted blood, or through some forms of unprotected sex, but can also be transferred on to newborns if their mother is infected.

Like the vaccine for COVID-19, the vaccine for HIV is not a cure, but antiretroviral therapy also known as “ATR” can dramatically slow the disease’s progress, prevent secondary infections and complications, and prolong life (Springer).

Although there’s no cure for HIV, which was first identified in 1981, there is a chance that the vaccine causes immunity. A small proportion of humans show partial or apparently complete inborn resistance to HIV, but National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day reminds people that they should be protected against the disease, especially if they are likely to participate in high risk activities that contribute to it.

There is no age limit or requirement that must be met in order to get the HIV vaccination because some people are born with it. The vaccine is recommended for all people aged two years and older with HIV infection. There is a total of two rounds of doses. The first two are given eight weeks apart, followed by booster doses every five years. (Merck)

Although AIDS/HIV has been around for over 40 years, there are still those who are unaware of the treatment, and May 18 is a good time to talk with people about the vaccine. New vaccines continue to be developed year after year (News).