HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine
Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. It is estimated that about 20 million people in the U. S. are infected, and about 6.2 million more get infected each year. HPV is spread through sexual contact. Most HPV infections don't cause any symptoms, and go away on their own. But persistent infection with certain HPV strains can cause cervical cancer in women. HPV can also cause genital warts. More than 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with HPV at sometime in their lives.
HPV vaccine is an inactivated (not live) vaccine which protects against 4 major types of HPV. These include 2 types that cause about 70% of cervical cancer and 2 types that cause about 90% of genital warts. HPV vaccine can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. The vaccine is routinely recommended for girls 11-12 years of age. The vaccine is also recommended for girls and women 13-26 years of age who did not receive it when they were younger. It is given as a 3-dose series of shots over 6 months. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is an expensive vaccine, but some health insurance plans cover the cost.
For more information on the HPV Vaccine, see http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-hpv.pdf.
For more information on how to get the HPV vaccine (Gardasil), see (SHS web site address)
How to Get the HPV Vaccine (Gardasil)
If you are a female ODU student interested in getting the HPV vaccine (Gardasil), you can get it by scheduling an appointment at Student Health Services.
Our staff can either:
1) Administer the vaccine using our supply (current cost $128/dose). The vaccine is a 3-dose series of shots given over 6 months. We do not bill insurance. You would be responsible for payment. The university's late fees would apply if not paid within 30 days.
2) Write a prescription for the vaccine to take to a pharmacy of your choice. You would be responsible for paying your pharmacy co pays at the pharmacy. After the prescription is filled, you would need to schedule an appointment for the injection. We would charge only our injection fee (currently $7).
Prices above are subject to change.
Female students who are uninsured and under age 19 may be able to get the vaccine through their local health department under the Vaccine for Children program.
Female students with insurance should check with their insurance plan to see if the vaccine is covered. If so, schedule an appointment with an in-network health care provider. Student Health Services is usually considered an out of network provider.
For more information on the vaccine, see http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-hpv.pdf.
To schedule an appointment for the vaccine, call (757)683-3132 and let the receptionist know which of the 2 options above you need.
04/2007
