Baldwin provides new HPV vaccine

Juliana Kiyan News Editor

During the last week of September, the Women’s Health Center began offering Gardasil, a vaccine that guards against cervical cancer and genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted disease. On Tuesday, Oct. 3, Nursing Supervisor Anne Dadarria and Women’s Health Assistant Marlene Galow held a talk in the Jade Parlor about the vaccine, as well as various methods of birth control, including Plan B, the recently-approved over-the-counter emergency contraceptive.

Federal drug officials approved Gardasil for girls and women ages 9-26 in June. Dedarria said, “We see the most problems in that age group,” when girls enter sexual maturity and attend college. She said that inoculating girls before they become sexually active is ideal, as cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus. Gardasil has not yet been approved for boys and men, but Dadarria said that this could change in one to two years.

The vaccine is administered through three shots over the course of six months to a year; each shot costs $150. Because the vaccine is brand-new, many insurance companies, including Koster Insurance (Vassar’s student insurance plan) do not yet cover it. For those who cannot afford Gardasil, Dadarria recommends visiting the Web site of the maker of the drug, Merck (merck.com), to explore the company’s options for payment.

Gardasil protects against four strains of HPV that cause 90 percent of genital warts and 70 percent of cervical cancers. However, it will not prevent disease in a person who has already been exposed to HPV.

HPV is different from other sexually transmitted diseases because it has an incubation period of two months to two years; thus, most people are not immediately aware they have it. In 2005, approximately 20 million Americans had genital HPV, and more than six million new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. A majority of those infected will process the virus naturally over six to 18 months and not have any lasting effects.

In addition to the vaccine, Dadarria advocated preventative measures such as using discretion with sexual partners, wearing condoms, and having annual check-ups.

While the vaccine was awaiting approval this summer, liberals in Congress worried that religious and conservative groups might oppose Gardasil based on its design to protect girls against a sexually transmitted disease. Several such groups said they support the vaccine but oppose mandatory vaccinations, advising against premarital sex instead.

Dadarria and Galow addressed the concerns of students who are considering the vaccine but are uncomfortable about discussing it with their parents, as it could lead to inquiries about sexual activity. Galow said, “I think it will be easier for more parents to accept [the vaccine], since the recommended age to get the shot is nine. We’ve had more phone calls than ever from parents who want to know if the vaccine is available here.” She said that of the girls who received the first round of shots last week, none reported any side effects.

Dadarria and Galow also announced that Plan B, an over-the-counter “morning-after pill,” will be available at the end of the year for women 18 and older. With Plan B, women take two pills, the first 72 hours after unprotected sex and the second 12 hours later to reduce the chances of pregnancy. It is 92 percent effective and also works to ensure “peace of mind,” according to Galow. Women do not need a doctor’s prescription, though Dadarria and Galow warned that it is up to a pharmacist’s discretion to sell the pill or not.

Students can purchase Plan B for $25 at Health Services seven days a week between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The Food and Drug Administration’s approval of over-the-counter sales of Plan B resolved a long and highly contentious debate between abortion rights advocates and opponents.

Women’s Health Services is holding clinics to administer the vaccine on Thursdays every other week from 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Students must call extension 5818 for an appointment.