With University life often comes increased dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, and health specialists are encouraging students to take advantage of discounted vaccines for both genders.
Gardasil, the leading vaccine for the human papillomavirus, was released in 2006, and originally encouraged women to be “one less” victim of HPV strains associated with cervical cancer. But the Food and Drug Administration announced in October that Gardasil was also effective for males ages 9 to 26.
HPV is especially common among college students, said Jason Walker, pathobiological sciences instructor and virology and immunology researcher.
“College students are beginning sexual activity, more unprotected is sex going on, and the chance of spread is much greater,” he said. “It’s just a matter of opportunity, and the opportunities are there.”
But the opportunity for students to protect themselves is also available.
The Student Health Center offers the vaccine to both men and women, said Julie Hupperich, health center associate director.
Female demand for the vaccine is high, but Michele Honigman, health center nurse, said she has administered it to fewer than 10 men.
The three-shot series costs $134 through the University, but students can receive it for about $10 at the East Baton Rouge Parish Health Unit, Honigman said.
“If I were a student starting off in college, I would get the vaccine,” Walker said. “This is another weapon in our arsenal of defense, and I say use it.”
Walker said the cost of the vaccine is worth the potential benefits.
“There are well over 100 types of HPV,” Walker said. “But only a handful is associated with genital warts and cancer.”
Walker said Gardasil protects against four major types of HPV — two types that are implicated in cancer and two types that cause 90 percent of genital warts.
“Most men, I think, would pay a lot of money not to have [a wart] cut off their penis,” he joked.
About 20 million Americans are infected with HPV, and at least 50 percent of men and women will contract it in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“[Gardasil] is often sold as a cancer vaccine, but it’s also important because it’s a vaccine for a major STD,” Walker said. “HPV is extremely prevalent and often goes undiagnosed.”
—————
Contact Sydni Dunn at [email protected].