Westover Heights Clinic - Vaccines

    A vaccine to protect against infection with herpes simplex virus is currently being tested in the USA. It is a sub-unit recombinant type vaccine, which means it contains only a small portion of the virus' genetic material.  The vaccine is effective only in women and only for those women who are negative for both HSV 1 and 2.  A large-scale trial involving this vaccine started in 2003. This vaccine will not help a person who already has herpes but, if proven effective, may be useful for women desiring to lessen their chances of contracting it.  If you or a partner is interested, check to see if there is a vaccine trial going on in your area at: https://web.emmes.com/study/vid/herpevac/

     There are also therapeutic vaccine trials ongoing for those already infected with HSV 2.  The goal of a therapeutic vaccine is to enhance the body’s immune response to herpes and decrease the frequency with which shedding or outbreaks occur.