With respect to the comments above about Gardasil causing cancer, this is not the case at all. Unlike some vaccines which are created through attentuation (weakening) of the virulence (disease producing capability) of an organism, the Gardasil vaccine is not created this way. It contains what are called VLP's or virus like particles. There is no HPV DNA contained within the vaccine from which to contract HPV or cancer. The vaccine has only been on the market for 3 years so of course long term studies dont' exist yet. However a long term study is currenlty underway by Merck expected to last over an 11 year period.
As for insurance paying for the vaccine, if your insurance does not pay for the vaccine Kayte, you should contact Merck. They have a department to deal with insurance companies over this issue. They also have a patient rebate program of up to $130 per shot.
Merck has already applied to the FDA for approval of the vaccine to be used in women up to age 45 (up from age 26 currently). This request was denied by the FDA. The FDA does have the Gardasil request for use in boys and young men on the fast track as of March of this year, and until they start vaccinating the boys/men, we women will continue to be at risk for asymptomatic transmission. Gardasil has shown (in a study of over 4,000 young men that it reduces genital warts (from low risk HPV) and precancerous lesions (high risk HPV) by 90%. The vaccine is already approved in for men in 40 other countries. I have heard that some doctors will prescribe it "off label" however this would definitely not be covered by insurance in those cases of women over 26 or in men at all at this point.
As for the downplaying of cervical cancer, it is still the second leading cause of death worldwide among women. Unfortunately there are many websites containing information relating to HPV which is incomplete, erroneous and/or misleading. Most doctors are not well informed about HPV and therefore inadequately counsel their patients regarding the potential risks.
Melissa also mentioned that HPV can and will go away on its own. This is also misleading. While the virus can be kept asymptomatic by the bodys immune system it does not go away in the sense of being cured. Once you contract the virus you will always have the virus though it may be dormant for months, years or decades. Studies have shown the highest prevelence is among younger women up to age 25, a drop off from age 35 to 54 and a peak again after age 55 so I'm not sure where her data about women over 60 not having HPV comes from.
If you want reliable site certified info on HPV you can check my profile and visit my site.
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With respect to the comments above about Gardasil causing cancer, this is not the case at all. Unlike some vaccines which are created through attentuation (weakening) of the virulence (disease producing capability) of an organism, the Gardasil vaccine is not created this way. It contains what are called VLP's or virus like particles. There is no HPV DNA contained within the vaccine from which to contract HPV or cancer. The vaccine has only been on the market for 3 years so of course long term studies dont' exist yet. However a long term study is currenlty underway by Merck expected to last over an 11 year period.
As for insurance paying for the vaccine, if your insurance does not pay for the vaccine Kayte, you should contact Merck. They have a department to deal with insurance companies over this issue. They also have a patient rebate program of up to $130 per shot.
Merck has already applied to the FDA for approval of the vaccine to be used in women up to age 45 (up from age 26 currently). This request was denied by the FDA. The FDA does have the Gardasil request for use in boys and young men on the fast track as of March of this year, and until they start vaccinating the boys/men, we women will continue to be at risk for asymptomatic transmission. Gardasil has shown (in a study of over 4,000 young men that it reduces genital warts (from low risk HPV) and precancerous lesions (high risk HPV) by 90%. The vaccine is already approved in for men in 40 other countries. I have heard that some doctors will prescribe it "off label" however this would definitely not be covered by insurance in those cases of women over 26 or in men at all at this point.
As for the downplaying of cervical cancer, it is still the second leading cause of death worldwide among women. Unfortunately there are many websites containing information relating to HPV which is incomplete, erroneous and/or misleading. Most doctors are not well informed about HPV and therefore inadequately counsel their patients regarding the potential risks.
Melissa also mentioned that HPV can and will go away on its own. This is also misleading. While the virus can be kept asymptomatic by the bodys immune system it does not go away in the sense of being cured. Once you contract the virus you will always have the virus though it may be dormant for months, years or decades. Studies have shown the highest prevelence is among younger women up to age 25, a drop off from age 35 to 54 and a peak again after age 55 so I'm not sure where her data about women over 60 not having HPV comes from.
If you want reliable site certified info on HPV you can check my profile and visit my site.
May 9, 2009 - 11:20amThis Comment
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