HELP PREVENT GENITAL HERPES IN WOMEN

25% of American women have Genital Herpes and most do not know it!

Don't become a statistic!

An informational letter for those interested in protection against Genital Herpes:

I would like to take this opportunity to give you some information about HSV (Herpes), why this study is of such importance, and how your participation can benefit the health and well-being of millions of women in this country and around the world.

HSV is a virus that has two types. HSV-1 causes mild infection that presents as "coldsores" or "fever blisters" on the mouth or face. It is estimated that 66% of the population has this type.

HSV-2 is known as genital herpes. It estimated that at least 25% of adult women have HSV 2. Out of 1 in 5 adults who have genital herpes, more than 80% are unaware that they have it.

HSV is known to be carried by both males and females. Because it is a virus, the infected person will have the virus for a lifetime. The virus travels on the nerve pathways and may remain dormant for long periods of time. Therefore, it may reactivate even if symptoms of mouth or genital sores are absent. The virus can spread despite absence of any lesions.

Because there is no cure, strategies to control genital herpes infection have focused on antiviral therapy, education and use of condoms. Despite these measures, genital herpes continues to increase in prevalence. HSV is an enormous public health concern, which prompted the National Institute of Health to partner with GlaxoSmithKline to develop and study the effectiveness and safety of this vaccine. The HSV vaccine is an inactive (inert) vaccine that has already been evaluated in two Phase 3 (final) studies. More than 8,000 women have already received this vaccine, and it is well-tolerated. You cannot get any Herpes viruses from this vaccine. More than 30 Universities are involved with this project.

The Clinical Trials Office is located in the lower level of the URI Health Services Building. The offices are private and confidential. The HSV team consists of Dr. David Whitaker, and Nurse Practitioners June Newman and Maria Flanders.

The study is open to women ages 18-30, who have never had any mouth or genital lesions. You will be asked to come in for a total of 9 visits over a 20 month period. In addition, there will be financial compensation at each visit ($40.00 per visit).

There is much excitement in the medical community about this vaccine. We are equally as excited to be participating in this study so that a vaccine for HSV will have a tremendous impact on the prevention of Genital Herpes in women.

Please email me here or call me after reviewing this letter to set up an appointment.

Sincerely,
June Newman, RNP
Nurse Practitioner and
Study Coordinator

Call 401-782-2570 or contact us

Click here to learn more about Herpes, the virus no one wants

Click here to learn more about the Herpes Vaccine from the New England Journal of Medicine
 

Return to Clinical Studies Home Page