What is Gardasil:
Gardasil is an HPV vaccine developed by Merck and Co. Approval was given by the FDA on June 8, 2006.What Does Gardasil Protect Against:
Gardasil protects against four strains of HPV, a virus that is transmitted through skin to skin sexual contact. 2 of the strains of HPV that Gardasil protects against are responsible for about 70% of cases of cervical cancer.The other two strains Gardasil protects against are responsible for about 90% of genital wart cases.
Who Will Be Given Gardasil:
The federal advisory committee voted Gardasil safe and effective for females, age 9-26. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will determine at what suggested age the vaccine will be given once the vaccine is approved. The ACIP can only suggest the targeted age group; it is up to each individual state to set requirements.Gardasil Side Effects:
According to the CDC, the most commonly experienced side effect in soreness at the injection site. There appears to be be no major side effects.Will Boys Be Given Gardasil:
Because there is no information about the effectiveness of Gardasil in boys at this time, Gardasil, if approved, will only be administered to girls.Gardasil Effectiveness:
In clinical trials, Gardasil was 100% effective against HPV strains 16 and 18, which are responsible for 70% of cases of cervical cancer.Gardasil was also 99% effective against HPV strains 6 and 11, which are responsible for 90% of cases of genital warts.
Gardasil Cost:
It has been estimated that Gardasil will cost between $300-$500. Federal programs will fit the bill if recommended by the immunization committee.The Need for an HPV Vaccine:
HPV is more than common than many think. According to the CDC, more than 20 million people are infected with HPV. 80% of women are infected by the time they turn 50. Even more startling, more than 50% of sexually active people have HPV.Sources: CDC. HPV Fact Sheet
CDC. HPV Vaccine Fact Sheet
