The HPV Vaccine: Women Who Benefit from it and Those Who Don't

A new vaccine has been voted on to prevent the Human Papillomavirus or HPV. This new vaccine was approved in 2006. The vaccine is a treatment to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in women. Gardasil is used to protect against four types of HPV. This vaccine has been licensed to use in girls and women from ages 9-26 years of age. If a woman chooses to take Gardasil, she will be given three series of shots over a six-month period.

It is recommended that girls/women should get this vaccine before they are sexually active. The vaccine is most effective in women who have not acquired any of the types of HPV. Women who are sexually active can still benefit from this vaccine, but run a risk getting less benefit from the vaccination. This is due to the possibility of already contracting one of the four types of HPV, however, this will still protect them from the types of HPV they have not yet contracted.

Research of this vaccination is found to be 100% effective in preventing diseases caused by HPV. These include precancers of the cervix, vulva and vagina, and genital warts. If women have had existing HPV infections, genital warts, or cancer, this vaccine will not work.

Many women feel safe with this vaccination but it does not protect against all types of HPV. It will also not prevent all cases of cervical cancer or genital warts. In research it was shown that the vaccine would not prevent about 30% of cervical cancers. It is still important for women to continue scheduling a yearly exam with their doctor and continues to get screened for cervical cancer. It was also shown that the vaccine does not prevent about 10% of genital warts. It will also not prevent other STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections).

If a woman chooses to receive the vaccination for HPV she will be looking at spending $120.00 per dose. For the three series of shots it will cost a total of $360.00. Some insurance companies are beginning to cover this vaccine, while others are not. Other times there is a lag in insurance before the vaccination is covered by your health care plan.