Cervical cancer vaccine available at Hall Health

Hall Health Primary Care Center now offers the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer. [HTML_REMOVED]

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The vaccine, Gardasil, protects against genital lesions and genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to cervical cancer.[HTML_REMOVED]

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Gardasil inoculates against the two types of HPV that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.[HTML_REMOVED]

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Between 50 percent and 70 percent of sexually active adults have HPV, said Priscilla McElhose, unit head of Hall Health's women's clinic. [HTML_REMOVED]

"In the United States. women who get yearly pap smears rarely get cervical cancer because the abnormal cells can be treated when they are at a pre-cancerous stage, but if women are not screened, the lifetime chance of developing cervical cancer would possibly be 4 to 5 percent," she said.[HTML_REMOVED]

Gardasil is only recommended for girls or women between ages 9 and 26 because that age group received the most safety testing and experienced the most effective results. [HTML_REMOVED]

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It is strongly recommended that girls age 11 to 12 receive the vaccine because Gardasil is most effective on females who get vaccinated before their first sexual contact. So far, Gardasil has proven ineffective in males.[HTML_REMOVED]

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The vaccine is administered over a six-month period, during which the patient receives three injections. The second dose should be taken two months after the first, and the third dose should be taken six months after the initial injection. [HTML_REMOVED]

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"There is no information on how effective the vaccine is after one or two doses," McElhose said. "The vaccine should be effective within one month following the third dose."[HTML_REMOVED]

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At Hall Health, a dose of the vaccine is $160 plus a $15 injection fee. A three dose series is $525. Those interested in the vaccine should contact their health-insurance company to find out whether their insurance plan covers the inoculations.[HTML_REMOVED]

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The vaccine would be worthwhile investment for young women, said Jean Haulman, associate director of public health and immunizations at Hall Health.[HTML_REMOVED]

"The cost of genital-wart treatment and treatment for cervical cancer far exceeds $525, not to mention the emotional impact of having cervical cancer," Haulman said. [HTML_REMOVED]

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Some students are deterred by the cost of the vaccine.[HTML_REMOVED]

"$525 is a really steep price," said freshman Kristin Kaneshiro. "If they're looking to prevent HPV, it should be

done cheaper, like providing condoms." [HTML_REMOVED]

Recent studies, however, call into question whether condoms provide adequate protection against the virus.[HTML_REMOVED]

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The vaccine series is available at a lower price at Planned Parenthood, where it costs $360.[HTML_REMOVED]

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Side effects of Gardasil are minimal, but may include pain, swelling, itching, redness at the injection site and fever. In rare cases, some patients produce an allergic reaction to the vaccine, which may cause difficulty breathing. [HTML_REMOVED]

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Gardasil is highly effective in preventing four types of HPV in young women who have not been previously exposed to HPV, but will not treat existing HPV infections or their complications. However, people with HPV may benefit from the vaccine because they are not usually infected by all four strains of virus. [HTML_REMOVED]

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So far, studies show the vaccine's effectiveness to last at least five years. More research is being done to see if a booster dose of vaccine is necessary for further protection.[HTML_REMOVED]

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Hall Health has ordered 50 doses and will order more as people desire the vaccine, Haulman said.[HTML_REMOVED]

"We are hopeful that all young women take advantage of this vaccine," she said. "The only other cancer-preventing vaccine available is the Hepatitis B vaccine. In Asia this vaccine has dramatically reduced chronic hepatitis which has been the precursor for liver cancer."

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