HPV and HPV Vaccine (Gardasil)

Human papilloma virus (HPV is a common virus that can be sexually transmitted. In 2005, the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 20 million people in the United States had HPV and at least 50% of sexually active people will have HPV during their lifetime. For most people, the virus goes away on its own. When the virus does not go away, it can develop into cervical cancer or genital warts.

In August 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine that protects against the four major types of HPV. Gardasil, the HPV vaccine helps protect against 4 types of HPV (6, 11, 16 and 18). These 4 types of HPV cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. The vaccine helps to prevent these diseases but it does not treat them. It is still important to have a routine Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer. Even if you had HPV in the past, the vaccine is helpful for prevention of other types of HPV.

For more information about HPV and the HPV Vaccine, please visit the following websites.

www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/hpv.vaccine.pdf
www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/default.htm
www.gardasil.com Information about Gardasil, Merck - Vaccine Manufacturer

The vaccine is NOW AVAILABLE at the Student Health Center.

Cost of Vaccination:  The cost of the vaccine is $135.00 per injection and there are 3 injections over 6 months. At this time, the Student Health Insurance plan does not cover the cost of vaccination. Payment can either be in cash, check  or charged to your student account.  If you have a secondary insurance that covers vaccine administration, the health center can provide a receipt for reimbursement purposes.

If you have any questions or need more information, please call the ext. 6393 and ask to speak to a nurse practitioner.