They only do it for girls/women ages 9-26. Why are they stopping at 26? Why am I too old for this protection?
2006-10-24 12:32:52 · 4 answers · asked by Loon-A-TiK 4 in Health ➔ Women's Health
The prevalence of HPV in adult women is 70%. Given that HPV can be transmitted by ANY genital contact, without exchanging fluids, without penetration, if you are 28 you are statistically VERY likely to have come into contact with HPV already.
Most women clear HPV on their own, but some do carry it much longer.
You can insist on receiving the shot, but is it worth $300 if it won't be too much of a benefit to you? Then again, if you have NEVER had ANY contact with a sexual partner, then you may still be a good candidate for vaccination.
ADDENDUM FOR SMK: The vaccine is most effective for females who have not yet come into contact with the human papilloma virus. This means it must be given BEFORE they become sexually active. Think of it: a measles vax isn't much good if the kid has already had measles. Likewise, a HPV vas is no good if she's already had HPV. btw, the clinical trials on men are not yet complete, so that's why it's women-only for now.
ADDENDUM FOR OMG: You have the right as a health care consumer to request and insist on services so long as you can pay for them. Your primary care doctor (not a hospital) is the person you should consult when getting Gardasil. However, if you have EVER attempted any sexual contact (oral, manual, dry humping, etc), then you are sexually active as far as this vaccination is concerned. the rest is between you and God.
2006-10-24 12:36:15 · answer #1 · answered by Gumdrop Girl 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is probably because it was only recently made available and there may not be enough to go around.
Although i don't understand why it would be given to 9 year olds.
i was under the impression that it would be most effective in sexually active women.
But i'm a man, what do i know?
2006-10-24 12:40:14 · answer #2 · answered by smkwtrjck 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can still ask your doctor if you can get the shot if you need it.
Age does not matter. Need does.
That's what my medical plan told me.
2006-10-24 13:31:45 · answer #3 · answered by Tara662 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IDK but i am 15 and they refuse to give me the shot because they say to me "you are probally sexually active and have contracted it" I AM 15 AND A VIRGIN (we don't go to taht hospital any more
2006-10-24 12:41:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋