HPV(Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine

What is HPV?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. HPV is most common in young women and men and can cause genital warts in men and women, cervical cancer in women, and other types of cancer in both men and women. There are about 100 types of HPV.

What is the HPV Vaccine and who should get it?
A safe and effective vaccine called “Gardasil” is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts due to HPV. The vaccine is recommended for girls and women 11- 26 years of age. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing four types of HPV in young women who have not been previously exposed to HPV. These four types have been found to be responsible for more than 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. The vaccine will not treat existing HPV infections.

The vaccine is given in a series of three injections over a six-month period. The second and third doses are given at two and six months after the first dose. The most common side effects are soreness at the injection site. The length of the vaccine protection is not known since it is a new vaccine but studies have found that vaccinated persons are protected for at least five years. Girls and women who have been vaccinated still need regular cervical cancer screening (Pap test) as recommended by their health care providers.

Gardasil Vaccine is available at Student Health Services.

It costs $132 per injection to be paid at the time of the visit

Students who are interested in getting vaccinated can either:

1. Schedule an appointment and request Gardasil

You will meet with a health care provider who will answer all your questions related to HPV or other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

OR

2. Walk –In during immunization clinic

You will receive information about the vaccine from a healthcare provider and you will be able to ask questions.

For more information about HPV and Gardasil:

http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm http://www.ashastd.org/hpv/hpv_overview.cfm