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A new vaccine to prevent 70 percent of
cancer causing HPV, and 90 percent of genital wart HPV was
licensed in mid 2006. The vaccine is safe and effective for
females 9-26 years old, regardless of their sexual history.
It is most effective if given before the onset of sexual
activity, but also protects against HPV even if the recipient
is already infected with one or more strains. It does not
treat active HPV infections nor prevent against all HPV
infection.
The vaccine has been recommended by the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for all females 9-26 years
of age. No Pap smear or screening is required prior to
starting the vaccine. It is contraindicated in individuals
with an active pregnancy or known to have been previously
infected with HPV strains 16 AND 18. The latest data obtained
from a conference on Antimicrobial Agents in Chicago this
fall indicates that this vaccine, Gardasil, partially
prevents infection of 10 HPV strains in addition to the four
previously targeted. In other words, the HPV Vaccine,
Gardasil, may be even more effective in preventing HPV
infection than previously believed.
The vaccine requires three shots over six
months. The vaccine is expensive, costing $150 per shot
(recently reduced after contracting directly with the
manufacturer). It
can be billed to the student account and payment must be made
at the time of appointment. Please call 860-685-2470 to
schedule an appointment. Many insurance carriers cover the
vaccine and students receiving it here will be provided with a
bill they can submit to their insurance carrier for
reimbursement. The vaccine is not covered under the
University-sponsored health plan. Students without insurance
that covers this medication may be eligible for Vaccine
Patient Assistance Program from Merck, the company that makes the vaccine.
Please contact the Health Center for an application.
Those students who do not qualify for the Merck Assistance
Program may want to contact Planned Parenthood.
Planned Parenthood operates on a sliding fee scale system
and will offer the vaccine at a discounted rate. This
may be as little as $20 depending on your financial
screening. You can contact Planned Parenthood in
Meriden at 203-238-0542.
The Davison Health Center (DHC)
recommends this vaccine for all females under 26. Those
wishing to discuss receiving the vaccine should schedule an
appointment with a DHC provider. Others may wish to discuss
and/or begin receiving the vaccine with their next annual
exam. Those who have started the vaccine at home or elsewhere
may continue receiving it here and should discuss these plans
with the DHC vaccine nurse. Students over 26 interested in
the vaccine should schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith or
Dr. Daponte to discuss options.
Click here for the HPV Vaccine Information Sheet.
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