FDA Approves HPV Vaccination

The vaccine, Gardisil, is only approved for women and girls right now but its maker (Merck) is looking into its use in boys and men. Hopefully it will be available to males soon since they can also be infected and transmit the virus to their partners. A few things have to be cleared up yet, such as at what age girls should be vaccinated and if pediatricions should include it in their vaccination schedules. The CDC makes its reccomendations June 29th.

The only downside I can see is the cost: $300 - $500 for a vaccine that only lasts four years. Many communities do offer financial help for medical needs like vaccines whether via sliding scales or specific programs so hopefully this will accessible for everyone. Globally, this has the potential save 200,000 lives each year that would otherwise be ended by cervical cancer.

More information on the vaccine: What Does Gardasil Mean For Women?

More information on HPV: STI File: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, Warts) and Herpes & HPV.