GCSU plans to fight HPV with new vaccine

     Every year, cervical cancer claims the lives of thousands: daughters, mothers, sisters, aunts and friends.
     The leading cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV). 
     According to the American Cancer Society, HPV “is almost as common as the common cold virus.”  But with the help of a new vaccine, HPV is almost 100 percent preventable.
     Student Health Services may offer the new HPV vaccine Gardasil, to help guard female students against forms of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.
     Currently, the Baldwin County Health Department is offering Gardasil for free until Sept. 30.
     Rachel Sullivan, University Health Educator, urges students to request Gardasil at GCSU by taking a short survey on the Student Health Services website.  Student’s responses to the survey will gauge the demand for the vaccine.
     Student Health Services will make the vaccine available if 100 students respond.
     Angie Mason, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, says Gardasil is very expensive, but worth the investment to secure your health.  Gardasil cost $360.  However, insurance may pay for some of the cost.
     “Cost is just the biggest issue.  We will find out exactly what the demand is for Gardasil and there will be no charge for administering the vaccine.  Students with major health insurance plans covering the vaccine could be reimbursed,” Mason said.
     For Sara Sellers, GCSU junior mass communication major, the cost was not an issue.
     “My grandmother had cancer, different kinds run on both sides of my family,” she said. “After my mom kept reminding me about the vaccine I called my doctor to set up an appointment and the insurance covered it 100 percent.”
     Amanda Lisby, GCSU senior marketing major, decided to get vaccinated over the summer.
     “(The vaccine) is a series of three shots that are three months apart.  There was a lot of swelling and soreness after,” Lisby said. 
     Merck pharmaceutical company research shows that 74 percent of genital HPV cases in the United States occur in 15 to 24 year olds.  
     Sullivan says the risk for college students is greater because of trends in sexual behavior.
     “During normal school hours seven to nine students get tested for STD’s and about four to five test positive.  60 percent of the cases are Herpes and HPV.  There are over one hundred different types of HPV, but the vaccine only protects against four.  But four is better than none,” Sullivan said. 
    The four types of HPV account for 70 percent of cervical cancer and 90 percent of genital wart cases, according to Merck.
     Gardasil will not cure cervical cancer.  However, the risk of contracting HPV is greater than the risk associated with any side effects from the vaccine.
     Jennifer Graham-Stephens, Women’s Resource Center coordinator, says that women who care about their health should show interest in the vaccine, but remember not to neglect their health because of the vaccine.
     “It is important to note that the vaccine is preventive treatment,” Stephens said.  “It is imperative that we as women continue to get our Pap test every year and continue practicing safe sex — every time you have sex.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Sep 21 2007. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry