In addition to HIV and hepatitis pre and post-test counseling, UFO provides hepatitis B and hepatitis A vaccinations to study participants in an effort to determine how best to deliver these vaccines to young injectors. Study Activities Participants in the study initially make two visits to a community site. During their first visit participants receive an interview, counseling and voluntary anonymous testing. On their second visit, one week later, participants again receive counseling, test results and, if appropriate, a referral to an on-site clinician or outreach worker for ongoing care. If a participant has not already been vaccinated or exposed to hepatitis B and A, they are offered hepatitis B and A vaccination.
Participants receive monetary compensation for their involvement.
See some of the innovative flyers and handouts created by the UFO Project. A comprehensive, on-site referral system is available for participants in need of services, especially in the event of a positive test result. Staff clinicians are also available on site for medical advice and referrals to local clinics and hospitals. Staff interviewers are certified HIV test counselors with training in hepatitis education and experience in harm reduction, needle exchange and street outreach. The UFO project is currently building a national referral directory where participants and providers can find out where young IDUs can get vaccinated, exchange needles and access other youth services in cities most frequently traveled by young injectors.