A tool to fight a sexually transmitted disease linked to causing cervical cancer will soon be available for women at the Student Health Center.
The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a vaccine for human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, called Gardasil.
HPV is a group of viruses containing over 100 different strains. More than 30 strains are sexually transmitted.
They can infect the genital area of both men and women. While most infections will clear on their own, there are some cases which can result in abnormal Pap tests, genital warts and cervical cancer.
“The vaccine protects against four types of the virus,” said Dr. Philip Hindelang, gynecologist at the Student Health Center.
It protects against HPV types 16, 18, 6 and 11, said Hindelang.
“Types 16 and 18 account for 70 percent of cervical cancers and 65 percent of high-grade precancerous legions,” said Hindelang. “Types 6 and 11 account for 90 percent of genital warts in both men and women.”
The vaccine is administered in three injections over a period of six months.
The target group for the vaccine is girls age 11 to 12. The vaccine can also be given to girls as young as nine and sexually active women as old as 26.
Hindelang said younger girls are the target group because the vaccine is most efficient if administered prior to any sexual activity. But many parents of younger kids are not thinking their children will be sexually active, said Hindelang.
Hindelang said the vaccine was not met with the controversy of the Plan B pill, though there is some fear that the vaccine will encourage girls to have sex at a younger age.
“I think it’s stupid because girls that young shouldn’t be having sex,” said Page Gray, psychology freshman. “It shouldn’t be that common.”
She said it should be up to the parents to decide whether or not to vaccinate their children.
“I think it’s a good idea for anybody,” said Caroline Brown, biological sciences sophomore.
Hindelang said the vaccine was not in stock at the Student Health Center.
“At present, it is impossible to have it in stock,” Hindelang said.
Hindelang said students who want to receive the vaccine must go to the pharmacy at the health center, pay for it up front and have the health center order it for them.
Hindelang was optimistic about the vaccine’s availability in the future.
“Within a month it should be available to students,” Hindelang said. “To date, the vaccine is not approved for men. There is a study underway on 16 to 26-year-old men, the results of which will be available in 2008.”
The vaccine then may become available to men.
Hindelang said the vaccine was approved for women first because they are at higher risk for cancer.
Hindelang stressed that the vaccine is a prevention method, not a cure.
“It doesn’t treat existing warts,” he said. Also, about 2 percent of women are infected with more than one type at a time. Hindelang said there are still benefits to receiving the vaccine as it protects against several strains of the virus. “Since only 1 to 2 percent are infected with multiple strains at the same time, Gardasil can provide protection from the other three types if a person already had one of the types,” Hindelang said. Hindelang said he is concerned people who receive the vaccine could be lulled into a false sense of safety. He stressed that those who have had the vaccine should still get regular checkups. “Don’t think just because of the vaccine you don’t need Pap smears,” Hindelang said. Hindelang said he is confident the vaccine will help. “Over time it will cut down on incidents of genital warts and cervical cancer,” he said. Hindelang said students with questions should contact the Student Health Center.
—–Contact Caitlyn Scott at [email protected]