Lately I've been hearing about a new vaccine against cervical cancer (or its cause) and I wondered if anyone on here knew anything about it (e.g. how effective it is, how much it costs, which countries in the UK it's available in, etc.). I've heard that it's being offered to children but would clinics give it to adult virgins as well? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
2007-04-20 08:35:01 · 7 answers · asked by chemical_sister_2000 2 in Health ➔ Women's Health
The vaccine is called Gardisil. It is a 3-injection series, given over 6 months. Costs will probably vary from location to location.
It is intended to be given to ANYONE who has never had sexual intercourse (but targeted at girls aged 9-15), because this is how the most virulent types of HPV (the virus that causes cervical cancer and genital warts) is spread.
You should contact your local clinic or your regular doctor and inquire about costs.
2007-04-20 08:44:40 · answer #1 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
These are new HPV vaccines whose use produces the realistic and exciting prospect of reducing cervical cancer by 75% in a generation or so.
Both here and in the States many debates are currently going on with regard to their cost and cost effectiveness, which is slowing things down.
The vaccine is best administered to women who have not been exposed to HPV. In other words, women who are virgins will benefit the most. Early studies suggest that the vaccine may be almost 100% effective for the prevention of type 16 and 18 CIN in virgins. In other women whose HPV status is not known, there is an overall 39% protection against type 16 and 18 CIN.
It should be noted that only 75% of all cervix cancers are caused by the HPV viruses 16 an 18 and it is therefore still possible for a woman to develop cervix cancer even though they are immunised.
The current cost of having these vaccines given as a course of the injections is about £450. The ideal adults to be immunised should, as you suggest be virgins until the course is completed.
(Hope you don't mind a male doctor attepting to answer your question?)
2007-04-20 09:21:29 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Frank 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean Gardasil? What you must understand about this vaccine is that it does not protect you from getting cervical cancer itself, but HPV, a sexually transmitted disease that causes cervical cancer. So unless you are at risk of getting a STD, this shot has no use for you. I thought this shot was a great idea, until I found out what it was REALLY for. Well, I think it costs about 100 dollars, and you get three shots over a sixth month period. From what I've heard it is very painful. I'm pretty sure that it is only for girls ages 9-26.
2007-04-20 09:21:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, Vaccine is available and women can get it privately as it has not been incorporated in national immunisation program, but you can get it on private prescription form your GP, it is called GARDASIL, it is recommended from age 9 onwards, those over 25 yrs age, it does not show any major benefit, for it to work, it needs to be administered long before women engage in sexual intercourse, Soon it will be rolled out in UK through national immunisation program probably through school nurses and GP given the starting ages (9 years)
2007-04-20 09:55:24 · answer #4 · answered by channi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
from what ive heard there is no vaccine against cervical cancer. there is however an injection that is pioneered in australia to help prevent skin cancer. dont pin your hopes on a vaccine for cancer coz the medical world is not at that stage yet the point is everyone has cells that are potentially cancerous and its a matter of living right eating right and knowing your body and its changes.
2007-04-20 08:50:07 · answer #5 · answered by wolfsjumping 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
hi
this was on this morning today 20/4/07 and i remember them saying it is available for females aged 9-26 dont know what it is called or anything though if you get chance look on the this morning site im sure they will have put some info on there about it
2007-04-20 10:24:38 · answer #6 · answered by sandradapanda 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I haven't heard of it, but having had it twice (ended up with a hysterectomy last year) & have a friend going through chemo for it at the mo
if it is true, it's a great idea
2007-04-20 08:44:06 · answer #7 · answered by jean h 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋