Willingness to receive an HIV vaccine among incarcerated persons

Background. Once an HIV vaccine becomes available, high-risk adults will be a target population for vaccination, and HIV vaccination programs for inmates may be a public health priority. Nothing is known about U.S. inmatesʹ willingness to accept an anticipated HIV vaccine while incarcerated. The goal of this study was to examine inmatesʹ attitudes toward a potential HIV vaccine. Methods. In 2002, we interviewed 153 male and female inmates at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) using a voluntary, anonymous survey. Results. Ninety-three percent of inmates indicated they would be willing to receive a hypothetical HIV vaccine while incarcerated. Although 88% of inmates self-reported at least one HIV risk factor, only 20% perceived themselves to be at risk for HIV. Conclusion. Once an HIV vaccine becomes available, HIV vaccination programs in the correctional setting need to become a public health priority. These would be well received by inmates in Rhode Island.