|
 HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus, is one of
the most prevalent sexually transmitted
infections in the world today. HPV is a
generic term that refers to a complex of
over 100 different infections, all caused by
variants of the same virus. Many of these
viruses are relatively benign and generate
symptoms such as common warts. Others,
however, affect the genital area. Four of
these have been shown to cause or be
precursors for cervical cancer – a cancer
that kills almost 4,000 women each year.
The federal Centers for Disease Control say
that over 20 million people in the U.S. are
infected with the virus, and over one half
of all sexually active people will get HPV
at some point in their lifetimes.
In 2006, pharmaceutical company Merck
released a vaccine called Gardasil that has
been demonstrated to be almost 100%
effective in preventing infections of four
of the types of the HPV virus that are known
to cause cervical cancer. This represents a
significant development in the reproductive
health of all women. It is important to
note, however, that the vaccine does not
prevent infections from other HPV viruses
that are responsible for about 30% of
cervical cancers, so some risk still exists
even in those who’ve been vaccinated. HPV
is the only known cause of cervical cancers.
Who should get the vaccine?
The manufacturer and the FDA recommend
that young girls be vaccinated beginning
around age 11, though it can be given to
those as young as nine. Any female between
the ages of 9 and 26 is a candidate for the
vaccine. Giving it to young girls ensures
that they have the vaccine series completed
before they become exposed to the HPV virus
through either casual or sexual contact.
The vaccine is not recommended for women who
are pregnant.
You do not need to be examined or tested
prior to receiving the vaccine, but you must
still have periodic pap smears and cervical
exams, because the vaccine does not protect
against all HPV viruses. The vaccine is
*not* a treatment for HPV or cervical
cancer, and thus, taking it will not do
anything to benefit you other than
preventing further infections if you have
active symptoms.
Can boys be vaccinated?
The FDA and the manufacturer have not
completed testing or certified the vaccine
for use in males at this point.
How is the vaccine administered?
The vaccine is given in a series of
three shots, the second of which is
administered two months after the first, and
the third of which is administered six
months after the first dose. You must be
re-vaccinated every four years to remain
protected.
Where can I get the vaccine?
Your gynecologist or family doctor
should have access to the vaccine, as should
places like public health clinics, Planned
Parenthood and similar clinics, and any
other facility or doctor that offers other
types of vaccines.
What will the vaccine cost, and will
insurance cover it?
The list price for the vaccine is
$120.00 per shot, or a total of $360.00.
Whether or not insurance will cover it is a
matter that is determined by the individual
insurance companies. Vaccines for those in
federal Medicaid and similar programs are
available either free or at a reduced rate
through those programs, and most states’
public health agencies will be able to
provide the vaccine to low-income persons in
many instances.
Are there any side effects or risks
associated with the vaccine?
No side effects have been shown to
result from the vaccine, other than
tenderness or soreness at the site of the
injection.
Is the vaccine required, for school or any
other purpose?
At this time, neither the federal
government nor any state governments are
requiring that the vaccine be administered,
nor are any school systems/colleges.
For more information, visit the GARDASIL web site.
Also see The HPV Test web site for information about a simple test for HPV.
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