Health Services Has HPV Vaccine, Gardasil
Health Services has the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, available for female students. The vaccine is administered in three doses. The first dose is administered at a date determined by the student, the second dose two months after the first dose and the third dose is given six months after the first dose.
The series of three doses will cost $435 ($145/dose). Most insurance providers are covering the vaccine. We encourage you to contact your insurance company to see if they will cover the vaccine if given at Health Services.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. Currently, more than 20 million men and women in the U.S are infected with HPV and there are 6.2 million new infections each year. In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people contract HPV during their lifetime.
Individuals at any age who take part in sexual activity that involves genital contact are at risk. Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. This means that they can pass on the virus to others and not know it. While most types of the virus cause no symptoms or problems and disappears without treatment there are several forms of this virus that can cause cancer.
The HPV Vaccine
The vaccine, Gardasil is the first developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts due to HPV. The vaccine is highly effective against four types of HPV virus, including two that cause about 70% of cervical cancer as well as 90% of genital warts.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the vaccine be routinely given to girls age 11-12, but also allows vaccination as early as age 9 at the discretion of a medical provider. The recommendations also support vaccination of females from 13-26 years of age who have not been previously vaccinated. The vaccine should ideally be administered before onset of sexual activity, but females who are sexually active should still be vaccinated. Immunization against HPV is expected to reduce an individual’s lifetime risk of cervical cancer by 60-70%.
Studies are now being done to find out if the vaccine works to prevent HPV infection and disease in males. When more information is available, this vaccine may be licensed and recommended for boys/men.
The Importance of Pap Smears
It is still recommended that females continue to receive regular cervical cancer screening through their physician or nurse practitioner. The vaccine will not protect against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, so women will still be at risk for some cancers. Women may not get the vaccine’s full benefits if they have already acquired HPV or if they did not complete all required doses of the vaccine. Also, the HPV vaccine does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
Health Services provides annual gynecological exams and Pap Smears. If a student has paid their health fee gynecological exams are available at no cost. The cost for a Pap smear is $10.
If you would like to make an appointment to receive the vaccine or have a gynecological exam, call Health Services at (603) 862-1806.
