Why does the new vaccine for cervical cancer have an age limit?

Question

I am wondering why the new cervical cancer vaccine has an age limit and why women in their early 30's can't get it or why we won't also benefit from it. After all, cervical cancer can hit at any age...doesn't it make more sense to create a vaccine that would benefit even more people. Any information would be helpful! Thanks!

Answer 1

It is true that the age limit is there because the belief is that by age 30 most women have already been exposed to HPV. However if you have been tested and have no signs or any trace of HPV EVER in your history, you should be able to get it. Your insurance may not pay for it and it may cost you $400 but It is worth every dime!

Girls who are not sexually active are the best candidates for the new HPV vaccine Gardisil. Most people who are older, never thought about HPV and didn't even know it existed when they first became sexually active. They were unfortunate. Now there is a vaccine that will save young girls. But if you are BLESSED enough to have NEVER been exposed, GET THE VACCINE!!!

I have given you the website directly from Merck. It states that if you have been exposed to HPV, you may not have been exposed to all four types that cause cervical cancer so you may still benefit from Gardasil. Take a look at it and judge for yourself.

Good luck!

Answer 2

There's an age limit because this is a new vaccine, and they only recently did the study for girls & women ages 9-26. The fact that there's nothing available yet for women 26 + has nothing to do with exposure to HPV. You can be exposed to HPV at ANY age. I'm sure they're working on something for 26 + right now.

It's "recommended" for 9-26, just like it's "recommended" that the vaccine should be given IM in the arm (as opposed to the hip or leg, etc,). I bet it would be fine if a 27 year old got the vaccine, but doctors aren't going to do it yet, because it isn't FDA approved.

Answer 3

i'm no expert but according to the wikipedia article on the hpv vaccine, it just says it's "recommended" for women ages 9-26 years old. i think that just means those are the people they are trying to target the most. it doesn't say anywhere that older women can't receive the vaccine if they want. i believe they are targeting this age group because people of this age are mostly unmarried, so they are more at risk for STDs. if you're married chances are you don't have to worry as much, even though there is of course still a chance a married woman could contract through infidelity, rape, etc.

like i said though, i am not an expert. i wish i could be more helpful.

Answer 4

The age limit is there because they figure by the age of 30 you have already been exposed to the virus, so the vaccine won't do you any good.

If you are a virgin, and have never had sex in any form, including oral sex, then you could be a candidate, and should speak with your doctor.

Answer 5

I heard that it was b/c younger women haven't been exposed to elements that cause cervical cancer, but I'm not positivie about that. I'm 22 and I asked my doctor about it, but she said b/c I have had normal pap smears and i'm in a monogomous relationship, I am less likely to get HPV, therefore I didn't really need the shot, unless I really wanted it.

Its best to check with your doctor.

Answer 6

i don't belive that there should be an age limit on this vaccine becasue there might be people that havn't been exposed to the HPV virus but that is why there is a limit you caould talk to you doctor about it and see what he/she thinks and he/she may be able to get it for you

Answer 7

at the age they wana give the vaccine, most girls would not have been sexually active. once u been sexually active, the vaccine wont work.

Answer 8

It is for women who have never had sex b4 .