AIDS Vaccine Is of Modest Help, Fuller Research Says
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AIDS Vaccine Is of Modest Help, Fuller Research Says
Our Review Summary
This follow-up piece draws attention to secondary data analyses of the much talked about AIDS vaccination trial conducted in Thailand. According to the results released in September, the vaccine showed a statistically significant reduction in risk of HIV infection. However, two additional analyses published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine did not find statistical significance. This story underscores the need for healthy skepticism about early announcements of unpublished research.
The writer did a nice job explaining different types of analysis and statistical significance, which many physicians and lay people have difficulty grasping.
Criteria
Not Applicable
Since the vaccine is not available, a discussion of costs is not warranted.
Satisfactory
The piece does a nice job of presenting the results of the initial report in terms of absolute and relative risk reduction; however, absolute data is not provided for the secondary analyses. To its credit, the story clearly and effectively explained statistical significance as it relates to this research. As stated in previous coverage, the story reiterates that the benefits of the vaccine are modest and additional research is needed.
Not Applicable
Given that this is a follow-up report focused on newly released data, a discussion of the potential harms of the vaccine is not necessary.
Satisfactory
This story does an excellent job defining the different types of analyses used to evaluate the outcome data. The story also points out the results of the secondary analyses have been published in a peer-reviewed journal, suggesting the calculations have been checked for accuracy.
Satisfactory
This story does not engage in disease-mongering.
Not Satisfactory
This story does not provide commentary from any independent sources. In this case, a single comment from a biostatistical consultant would have provided helpful perspective.
Not Applicable
Given the nature of this follow-up story, a discussion on the existing alternatives to HIV prevention may not be warranted.
Satisfactory
This story makes it known that the vaccine is still in the testing phase and is not yet available.
Satisfactory
The story makes it clear that researchers have been working on an AIDS vaccine for decades.
Satisfactory
The story does not appear to be based on a press release.
Total Score: 6 of 7 Satisfactory
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