What are HPV vaccines?

In June 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, made by Merck, in females aged 9 to 26 years. The vaccine showed in clinical research to be 100 percent effective at preventing disease from high-risk types of HPV (16 and 18). This vaccine also targets the two HPV types (6 and 11) that cause approximately 90 percent of genital warts. In October 2009, the FDA also approved the use of Gardasil in males aged 9 to 26 years.

In October 2009, the FDA approved the use of the HPV vaccine, Cervarix, in females aged 10 to 25 years. Cervarix, made by GlaxoSmithKline, is only FDA-approved for females and prevents against the high-risk types of HPV (16 and 18).

Both vaccines are administered as a three-dose series with the second dose given two months after the first dose and the third dose given six months after the first dose.

Who should receive HPV vaccines?

To be most effective, HPV vaccines should be given before becoming sexually active. Gardasil is approved for use in females and males aged 9 to 26 years. Cervarix is approved for use in females aged 10 to 25 years. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine use of the HPV vaccines only to females aged 11 to 12 years, with catch-up vaccination for females aged 13 to 18 years who have not been vaccinated. While Gardasil is FDA-approved for males, ACIP did not urge for routine use of the vaccine in males.

Are the vaccines safe?

In multiple clinical trials so far, both vaccines have received good safety profiles. Redness and tenderness at the vaccination site, along with low-grade fevers have been the most common side effects for both vaccines.

How much does the HPV vaccine cost?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the retail price of the vaccine is $130 per dose ($390 for a three-dose series).

Does health insurance cover the vaccines?

When the ACIP recommends a vaccine, most private insurers typically cover it, as leading medical groups have historically followed the ACIP’s recommendations in developing their own medical guidelines. Some states, such as California, require insurers to cover vaccination for those age groups recommended by the ACIP. Since ACIP did not urge for routine use of the vaccine in males, the vaccine may not be offered by all doctors and may not be covered by insurance.

In addition, the ACIP recommends that the FDA-approved HPV vaccines be included in the federal Vaccine for Children (VFC) program, which provides immunizations to uninsured and under-insured children up to age 18.

Now that we have an HPV vaccine, is screening still necessary?

Yes. An HPV vaccine should be part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. Screening using advanced and appropriate technology, such as HPV testing, is still needed to target cervical cancers caused by HPV types not covered by the vaccine and for women who have already been exposed to HPV.

How can people get the HPV vaccine?

Women and parents of eligible girls and boys should contact their doctor’s office or local health clinic to find out if the vaccine is offered. Insurance companies should also be contacted to determine if the vaccine is covered