U.S. Senator Barack Obama (second right) and his wife Michelle, (right) take an HIV-AIDS test inside a mobile clinic in Kisumu in August. Obama took the test as an example for the tens of thousands of African men and women who fear the stigma of being tested for the disease ravaging sub-Saharan Africa. - Reuters

Oneilis a 32-year-old self-employed father of two children and one of several persons participating in the Ministry of Health's HIV Vaccine Trials that are currently being administered by the HIV Vaccine Unit at the Slipe Pen Road Clinic in Kingston. Oniel does not have HIV. Last week he explained that he volunteered because he knows someone who is HIV-positive and is deliberately infecting others, so he wants to do something to help prevent the spread of HIV. This week he shares what it was like for him getting his first vaccine.

First vaccination:

Days leading up to the big day:

"In the days leading up to the big day, even though I was anxious, I was not nervous. I didn't think about it a lot though; I just wanted the day to come. I kept wondering if I was going to get the real vaccine or the placebo because as they explained it to me, I will not know what I was getting, neither would the doctor nor the nurse until the very end of the study. It could either be the real vaccine or something that only looks like the vaccine but does not have anything in it other than salt water. They do the trial that way so the scientists can compare the effects to see if the vaccine really is safe and that it works.

Vaccination Day:

The big day was Friday, August 18, and I got to the vaccine unit at Comprehensive Health Centre 15 minutes before my appointment because I like to be early and also because I was anxious. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen and how I would feel.

When I saw the needle that they would use to give me the injection, I was not afraid because I am used to needles because I donate blood regularly. The staff made me feel comfortable as they explained exactly what I would experience when I was getting the injection. To be honest, for a split second I had second thoughts; I wondered if anything would go wrong.

It was not painful as I had expected and the only thing I remember feeling was a little tingling all over for a few seconds.

When the injection entered my body, I did not have any special emotions. I was just my usual self - curious. The only thing I was thinking about was how it would affect me, how my body would react.

The days following the vaccination, I had to keep a record of everything that was happening to me, like my temperature and how my arm felt. I also received calls from the doctor a few times daily to check on how I was doing and I was always encouraged to call the clinic if I had any problems. Many times I just called to tell them that I was all right.

I felt slight discomfort at the area where I got the injection only when my niece bounced on my arm. I have not experienced anything new or strange happening to me since that day, even though I pay attention to everything now.

I feel like I have just done something wonderful. When I think about the younger generation and what it could do for them, I feel special to have done this. Since receiving the injection, I sometimes wonder whether I got the real vaccine or the placebo. It doesn't matter to me what I got because I am helping to find the vaccine for the future, it's just that I get a little curious. I know I will find out at the end of the trial. I definitely have no regrets about participating in the trial.

Support

My girlfriend is very supportive. She is always checking my arm where I got the injection just like how she checks our son when he gets immunised. Whenever I hug my daughter she is always telling me not to use that arm in case I hurt it up."

NEXT: Oneil keeps up with his visits.Name changed to protect identity.

To find out more about the HIV Vaccine trials visit the Epidemiology Research and Training Unit (ERTU) 55 Slipe Pen Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica or call 922-4873/ 922-4461. Email: jamaicahvtu@yahoo.com

Send comments or questions regarding this article to andrea.downer@gleanerjm.com