New Vaccine for HPV: Gardasil

Human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 6.2 million Americans become infected with HPV each year. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) also estimates that about half of sexually active individuals will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Gardasil is effective against types 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is the first vaccine developed to prevent in the spread of HPV thus preventing cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts which are caused by the before mentioned types of HPV. HPV is most commonly found in sexually active individuals from the teens to the mid-twenties.

Before Gardasil received FDA approval, the vaccine was tested on 11,000 women between the ages of 9 and 26 over a 6 month period. The HPV vaccine is effective against approximately 70% of the HPV mutations that cause cervical cancers and approximately 90% of strands that cause genital warts. Gardasil is approved for use in females between the ages of 9-26. To be effective the vaccine series must be completed before the virus is contracted. The vaccine is not effective against prior contraction of HPV.

Gardasil vaccine is given in a series of 3 injections over a period of 6 months. The immunization does not contain live viruses. Because the vaccine is not effective against existing infections, it is important to give complete the series before exposure to the virus. Because it is estimated that approximately 50% of all sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some time, it is important to receive the vaccine early and take a proactive approach against the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States.

Some women that I have spoken to concerning this particular vaccine have questioned the appropriateness of the vaccine for young girls. I think many parents are concerned that providing their child protection against HPV is similar to giving them contraceptives. When this case arises I remind them of the already administered hepatitis B vaccine and ask them if there was a vaccine for HIV would they have that vaccine administered to their child. Administering the vaccine to young females simply protects them in the future from contracting HPV thus protecting them against possibly developing cervical cancer or genital warts from future exposure. The most common side effects of receiving the vaccine are mild or moderate pain or tenderness at the injection site (similar to many other vaccines).

The exact length of effectiveness of the HPV vaccine is still under investigation. It is possible the a booster may need to be administered at some point. Also, the effectiveness and safety of the HPV vaccine in males is under investigation.