Gardasil: A shot in the right direction

By: Kassie Lechner

Posted: 10/15/08

The newest advancement in cervical cancer prevention is the vaccination Gardasil, and if given the recommended way, can protect against four types of HPV (human papilomavirus).

Gardasil not only protects against certain types of cervical cancer, but it also helps protect against other diseases caused by four strains of HPV. The vaccine is given to girls and young women ages 9 to 26, and is most effective if given before being sexually active, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

"This particular product helps protect against four strains of high risk HPV," Forrest Bright, Family Nurse Practitioner for University Health and Counseling Services, said. "When we say high risk, what we mean is that these viruses have been associated with cervical cancer."

The vaccine is currently being offered at the Ambrose Health Center at $135 per shot, and is given in a series of three shots. The period in which the shots are given is usually six months, with the second shot being given after two months from the first shot, and the third shot after six months, according to the CDC. The shot is usually administered in the upper arm.

"The shot itself doesn't hurt," Alexandra Haroldson, sophomore, said. "It's just like a normal shot. The needle is actually shorter than a normal needle."

Despite some negative feedback of the vaccine causing miscarriages, paralysis and even death, the CDC continues to label the vaccine as being safe and effective, according to their website.

Haroldson said she thinks the shot should be required on campuses.

"I do believe that campuses should make it mandatory," Haroldson said. "I think that it's a smart thing for girls to do. I know there are drawbacks like paralysis, but the risks are so minimal that it would be worth it to get the shot to prevent anything from happening."

Judicial Watch, a public interest group, has been studying the adverse effects of Gardasil. Gardasil went on the market in June 2006, so it is still in the testing phase and final reports of the vaccine won't be made until September 2009, according to a special report on the Judicial Watch Web site. According to an article on the Natural News Web site, Judicial Watch has gathered reports of "21 deaths and 9,749 adverse reactions," but there has been no evidence to directly link the vaccine to the deaths and some of the reactions.

"The only side effects I got were cold sores on the edges of my mouth, and I know a lot of girls who have gotten that before," Haroldson said. "It's just because it (the vaccine) is a bacteria. I haven't heard of any other side effects from girls who I know who've gotten the shot."

Although there have been some adverse side effects, many patients have had most of the pain occur during the time the shot is administered.

"The biggest reaction that is noted is generally localized pain at the injection site," Bright said.

The four types of HPV Gardasil protects against "70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts," according to the CDC Web site. The CDC has made it clear "the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV" and "does not prevent about 10 percent of genital warts," according to the CDC Web site.

To prevent cervical cancer, it is recommended by the American Cancer Society women receive regular Pap tests, and even after receiving the Gardasil vaccine, women should still have frequent Pap tests. Women who have HPV, which is transmitted through sexual contact, are more likely to develop cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Pap tests are offered at the Ambrose Health Center for a fee of $35.

"Students can call and make an appointment with our front office," Bright said. "They can also go online to our Web site to see about other information."

Haroldson is glad she got the shot, and recommends other girls to get the Gardasil shot. She also found it convenient that her doctor sent her e-mails before her appointments to remind her she had a shot coming up.

"I would recommend other girls to get the shot because there are many ways to get STDs, and even though it doesn't cure the STD you have, it does prevent cervical cancer and other things that go along with unprotected sex," Haroldson said.