HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is a common virus spread by sexual contact that affects millions of people. This virus can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. A new Vaccine for HPV (Gardasil from Merck Vaccines) is available which can help protect women against a large majority of HPV infection problems. Please call Student Health Service Pharmcy at 328-6793 for questions.
What is HPV? HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common virus infecting, in 2005, an estimated 20 million people in the United States. There are more than 100 types of HPV; some cause no harm, others though can cause infections of the genitals producing warts and abnormal cell formation in the cervix, vulva, and vagina of women. This abnormal cell formation can lead to the development of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer and precancerous lesions. In the United Sates, approximately 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Of those 10,000 women about 10 women die per day due to cervical cancer. On a larger scale in the world cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women and accounts for nearly half a million diagnosis. Of those diagnosed in the world about 240,000 woman die from cervical cancer.
What Problems Can HPV Cause?
- Cervical cancer (cancer of the lower end of the uterus or womb).
- Abnormal and precancerous cervical lesions.
- Abnormal and precancerous vaginal lesions.
- Abnormal and precancerous vulvar lesions.
- Genital warts.
Who is at risk for HPV Infections? In 2005, the CDC estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV during their lifetime. A male or female of any age who takes part in any kind of sexual activity that involves genital contact is at risk. Approximately 80% of females will have acquired HPV by age 50. Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. This means that they can pass on the virus to others and not know it.
Will the HPV Vaccine fully protect me from the HPV disease?
- As with all vaccines, the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine.
- The HPV vaccine helps protect against 4 types of HPV (6, 11, 16, and 18). These 4 types have been selected for Gardasil because they are the cause of approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.
- This vaccine will not protect you against HPV types to which you may have already been exposed.
- This vaccine will not protect against other diseases that are not caused by HPV.
Who should get immunized with the HPV vaccine? The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is for females age 9 through 26 years old who are not pregnant and are not allergic to any component of the vaccine.
How is the HPV administered?
- The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is given as an intramuscular injection (IM) in the upper arm.
- Patients will receive 3 doses of the vaccine. Ideally the doses are given as:
-
- First dose: at a date you and your health care professional choose.
- Second dose: 2 months after the first dose.
- Third dose: 6 months after the first dose.
- Patients should make sure they get all 3 doses to provide the most complete vaccination coverage.
How do I get vaccinated with the HPV vaccine through ECU Student Health Service? Patients should schedule an appointment with an ECU Student Health Service provider by calling the appointment desk at (252) 328-6841. Please tell the appointment secretary you would like to receive a vaccination with the HPV vaccine or Gardasil. The appointment secretary will schedule you’re appointment with a ECU Student Health Provider who will explain the vaccine and need for continued annual screening exams. The medical provider will then write a prescription for the product which you can take to the Student Health Service Pharmacy for ordering. You may then schedule an appointment through the appointment secretary for administration of the vaccine through the Pharmacy.
How much will the HPV vaccine Cost at ECU Student Health Service? The shot is a three shot series, available at Student Health Service, and each shot costs approximately $130 ($390 for full series). Payment can be made by Cash, Check, Mastercard/Visa. ECU Students may defer their payments to thier cashier's account at the Main Cashiers Office.
For more information on this or any other vaccine available though ECU Student Health Service, please call the ECU Student Health Service Pharmacy at (252) 328-6793.
Information compiled by Brian Parker: Doctorate of Pharmacy Candidate, Hampton University School of Pharmacy through informational sources provided by the CDC and Merck Vaccines.
