Some local health centers and clinics provide the HPV vaccine for free thanks to the Missouri Foundation for Health. Click here for more information, or call 1-800-655-5560.
HPV Vaccine
The FDA recently approved a vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV). The vaccine is called Gardisil, and is currently available at Student Health Services. The vaccine has been approved for all females between the ages of 9 and 26 years old, regardless of whether or not they have been previously diagnosed with HPV. Student Health Services will make this vaccine available to all patients (including males and those females older than 26 years).
The Gardisil vaccine protects against 4 types of HPV, including two types that cause 70% of cervical cancers (types 16 & 18) and two types that cause 90% of genital warts (types 6 & 11). The vaccine has been tested in more than 11,000 women for the past five years, and there have been no serious complications seen.
The vaccine consists of three injections given at 0, 2, and 6 months. Currently, each injection costs $120.00 at Student Health Services. Gardisil is not covered by the Student Health Insurance plan. To receive the vaccine, please schedule an appointment with a nurse for an immunization by calling 935-6666, or on-line through the SHS Student Portal. If you have had a previous HPV vaccination, you must present documention verifying the immunization.
Vaccinated women still need to have regular Pap tests, since the vaccine does not provide protection against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. The time until protection wanes has not been determined, but is felt to be a minimum of 4 years. Re-vaccination may be indicated but will be decided at some time in future.
For more information regarding the vaccine and HPV you may visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website:
