Health Topics
HPV Vaccine
About the Virus and Vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can be sexually transmitted. In 2005 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 20 million people in the United States had HPV and at least 50% of sexually active people will have HPV during their lifetime. For most people, the virus goes away on its own. When the virus does not go away, it can develop into cervical cancer or genital warts.
Gardisil, the HPV vaccine helps protect against 4 types of HPV (6,11,16, and 18). These 4 types of HPV cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. The vaccine helps prevent these diseases but it does not treat them. It is still important to have routine Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer. Even if you have had HPV in the past, the vaccine is helpful for prevention of other types of HPV.
Available at Cowell Student Health Center
Cowell Student Health Center offers the HPV vaccine. Students who are interested can contact our Appointment Desk (530.752.2349) to schedule an appointment or contact our Advice Nurse (530.752.9649) to discuss vaccination options.
Cost of Vaccination
The cost of the vaccination for the 2007-2008 academic year is approximately $135 per injection and there are 3 injections over 6 months. At this time, the Student Health Insurance Plan's (SHIP) injectibles discount does not apply to this vaccination.
Recommended Resources
- Health Topics: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (Cowell)
- Health Topic: Genital Warts (Cowell)
- Information about Gardasil (HPV Vaccine) (Merck- Vaccine Manufacturer)
- Appointment Desk, 530.752.2349
- Advice Nurse, 530.752.9649
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