Human Papilloma Virus

We appreciate everyone's patience while we have been remodeling at Tri City. We think you will like the new look and flow of the office, while we are trying to serve you better, and in a more pleasing environment.

Now on to a timely topic. This newsletter will help those who would like to understand more about the new vaccine Gardasil.

WHAT?
It was approved by the FDA more than one year ago in June 2006, and is manufactured by Merck. This vaccine is to protect girls and women against the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is transmitted sexually, and the problem is that certain types can cause genital warts and cervical cancer. (The cervix is in females and is the opening to the uterus.) The vaccine has proven to be 100 percent effective against preventing those disorders.

WHO?
It is to be given as a three shot series to children and women age 9-26 years old. The vaccine would be effective for women older than 26 as well, but because the studies were only done on women up to 26 years old, that is who insurances will pay to have vaccinated.

WHEN?
The first shot in the series will be given, followed by the second in two months, and the third four months after that, or six months after the first shot was given. All three need to be given for the vaccine to be as effective as possible.

WHY?
As stated above, HPV is a virus that is transmitted sexually. Even condoms cannot prevent the spread. Any close genital contact will lead to HPV infection, especially in people who have multiple sexual partners. A person who never has sex or close intimate contact with another individual is NOT at risk. There are certain high risk types of HPV (there are MANY numbered types), but the ones that cause genital warts are the types of HPV numbered 6 and 11, and the types that most often lead to cervical cancer are 16 and 18. There are other high risk types. Because 70 percent of cervical cancers have been found to have types 16 and 18 as the causative agents, these are the two types, along with 6 and 11, that have been made into the vaccine. These viruses have been "shelled out", so that when one receives the vaccine, they do not receive the actual virus, but only the outer shell, which will then lead to an immune response in the individual. That way, if a girl or woman were to become exposed to these HPV types through sexual activity, she would not go on to develop genital warts or cervical cancer. The best response a female will have to the vaccine is if she is vaccinated before she ever has sex, which is why the push to have even girls as young as 9 years old considered for the vaccine. I recommend that even if a person thinks they will be in a monogamous relationship when they are older, that they still protect themselves, since one never knows what events may occur in their life out of their control.

HOW?
Patients may check with their insurances to see if Gardasil is covered, or consult with Peggy at Tri City Medical, who has compiled a list of insurances that will cover it. MOST insurances are covering Gardasil. Patients may come in even without an appointment if they desire. If they wish to consult with their physician, then of course a visit would be appreciated.

WHO CANNOT?
Any female with an allergy to Gardasil should not get it, and men do not need to get vaccinated.

We hope this information is useful to you, as you are certainly interested in receiving excellent medical care, and we feel confident that we can provide this for you.

Sincerely,

Melinda M. Midgley, M.D. and your medical providers at TriCity Medical Clinic