GARDASIL HPV VACCINE
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
Gardasil is an FDA approved vaccine against human papillomavirus. Should you or your daughter consider this vaccine? Here are some facts that may help you in your decision.
FACTS ABOUT HPV
•Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause genital warts and/or abnormal pap smears (precancerous changes or invasive cancer of the cervix)
• HPV is detectable in 99.7% of cervical cancer biopsies, and women who carry the virus for long periods of time are 100 times more likely to get cervical cancer than women who don’t
• The virus is very common, with up to 80% of sexually active women exposed to the virus by age 50. It is especially common in younger women, ages 15 – 25, and intercourse is not necessary for transmission – any genital contact can result in transmitting the virus
• There are 40 strains of HPV that infect the genital tract. The “low risk” types usually cause warts but not abnormal pap smears. The “high risk” types usually cause abnormal paps, but not warts
FACTS ABOUT GARDASIL
•The vaccine prevents infection with 4 of the most common HPV types, 2 low risk and 2 high risk
• The vaccine is up to 100% effective in preventing infections from the 4 strains it covers, greatly reducing genital warts and abnormal paps in vaccinated women
• The vaccine is given as three injections over 6 months (2nd dose 2 months after the first, 3rd dose 6 months after the first)
• The vaccine is recommended for women ages 9 – 26 years, and is best administered before the onset of sexual activity
• To date, no serious side effects have been reported over 4 years of study
• A “booster” of this vaccine may be necessary after 5 years
OTHER QUESTIONS
What about the other types of HPV that can infect the genital tract?
The vaccine protects only for the 4 types of HPV, but these 4 types are responsible for 50-75% of HPV exposures.
What else can be done to prevent HPV infection?
Abstinence is the most effective way to prevent HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Condom use and limiting the number of sexual partners reduces these infections but does not prevent them.
What about individuals over age 26?
The vaccine is not currently approved under this circumstances. Some people over age 26 may elect to receive the vaccine after discussion with their health care provider.
What about boys?
The vaccine is approved for young men ages 9-26 to protect against HPV
that may cause genital warts.
If I already have an abnormal pap, genital warts, or a positive HPV DNA test, is
the vaccine helpful?
Yes, because it may protect you against a strain of the virus that you have not been exposed to yet
Can I skip pap smears in the future if I get the vaccine?
NO! Strains of HPV not covered by the vaccine can cause the same problems so routine paps are still recommended
Should I get an HPV DNA test to see if I’ve been exposed before getting the vaccine?
No, as the test does not tell you which strain of HPV is present, and does not test for past infection
Does giving the vaccine “give permission” for young people to become sexually active?
NO! There are many reasons for young people to avoid sexual activity, not just the possibility of acquiring HPV. Giving the vaccine may be a good opportunity for parents to discuss these issues with young adults.
What is the cost of the vaccine and will my insurance cover it?
The cost of the vaccine and injection charge changes periodically. If you would like to check on the current price, call our office and ask one of our billing office staff. Currently PHP, BCN and Sparrow PHP do cover this injection but you will need to check with your insurance carrier prior to your visit to determine coverage. If you do not have one of the above listed insurances then we require payment for the first injection at the time of the visit and then we will submit the charge to your insurer. If the cost is reimbursed, you will not need to pay for the 2nd or 3rd injection – we will submit directly to your insurer. Co-pays and deductibles may apply.
WE ARE AVAILABLE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS BREAKTHROUGH IN WOMEN’S HEALTH