Ask the VEC: HIV Vaccine

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Q. Is there a vaccine to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

A. No, although researchers have been working to design a vaccine for many years, vaccine development has been difficult. HIV changes rapidly as it replicates in even a single individual. This makes HIV difficult to prevent because immunity provided by a vaccine against a previous version of the virus may be ineffective against a newer version of the virus.

Learn more or print “Special Topics: Human Immunodeficiency Virus” [PDF, 629KB].

Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.

You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.