A breakthrough in the field of women’s health has resulted in a vaccine that could prevent cervical cancer. This vaccine, Gardisal, hit the market last June. Gardisal is widely considered one-step in the right direction for proving that prevention is often the best medicine. Yet there are many who haven’t heard of Human Papillomavirus, or what can be done to prevent it.
Gardisal protects against four types of HPV. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Although recent information campaigns about HPV such as “One Less” and “Tell Someone” have been geared towards informing women, HPV affects both sexes.
In 2005 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 20 million Americans have HPV. Many types of HPV (there are over 30) do not cause harm, and may go away on their own. In the instance that the virus does not go away, it can lead to cervical cancer or genital warts.
Carriers of the virus may show no signs or symptoms, and thus HPV can be unknowingly transmitted. The CDC also estimates that 80 percent of women in the U.S. are infected with a form of HPV by age 50.
“I think this vaccine is a really good opportunity for women, and that all women should try to get it,” said sophomore Rachel Layer.
In women, HPV Types 16 and 18 affect the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. These viruses infect the lining of the cervix, and if the virus doesn’t go away abnormal cells could develop, leading to cancer. The only way for women to detect HPV is through a Pap smear test, which is available at any local health clinic.
It is estimated that 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV 16 and 18, and 90 percent of all cases of genital warts are caused by HPV Types 6 and 11.
“A lot of people don’t realize that a virus can cause cancer,” Layer said. Layer plans on receiving the vaccine sometime in the near future.
The vaccine is approved for women ages 9 to 26, but recent findings show that the vaccine works best before girls become sexually active. The Center for Disease Control now recommends that girls receive the vaccine before age 12.
However, most parents don’t want to think about the risk of their 12-year-old daughter contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
An additional hurdle to overcome is the cost of the vaccine: $120 per injection, totaling over $360 for the series. Not all insurance companies are willing to cover these shots, though most are willing to cover the costs of treatment for cervical cancer.
The vaccine consists of three shots over a six-month period. If someone has already contracted HPV, it is best to still get the vaccine, because it is unlikely that a woman will have previously come into contact with all four types of HPV that Gardisal protects against.
The Washington Country Health Clinic does not currently offer this immunization, but Teresa Roberts from the Health Department’s regional office stated that they have ordered the vaccine and hope to have it available soon.
The Student Health Clinic on campus can order the vaccine upon request.
For more information about receiving this vaccine, contact a private practitioner or the Washington County Health Department at 979-2200. For additional information on Gardisal visit www.gardasil.com.

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