What are HPV vaccines?

In June 2006, the FDA approved a vaccine shown in clinical research to be 100 percent effective at preventing disease from high-risk types of HPV (16 and 18) that account for approximately 70 percent of all cervical cancers. This vaccine, known as Gardasil, also targets the two HPV types that cause approximately 90 percent of genital warts. A second HPV vaccine, known as Cervarix, has been shown in clinical trials to be equally effective against HPV types 16 and 18 and is expected to be submitted to the FDA in late 2006 or early 2007.

How important are new HPV vaccines?

The availability of an HPV vaccine marks a tremendous milestone in the effort to prevent and ultimately eliminate, cervical cancer.

Who should receive HPV vaccines?

To be most effective, the FDA-approved HPV vaccine should be given before a person becomes sexually active. The FDA approved the first HPV vaccine for girls and women aged 9-26. The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the HPV vaccine be given routinely to females aged 11 to 12 and as early as age 9 years, and that women aged 13 to 26 should be vaccinated if they have not already received the HPV vaccine.

Are the vaccines safe?

In multiple clinical trials, the vaccines have been extremely safe. Redness and tenderness at the vaccination site, along with low-grade fevers have been the most common side effects for both
vaccines. There have been no serious vaccine-related side effects thus far.

When will the HPV vaccine be available?

In the private sector, the FDA-approved vaccine is now available through some health plans and clinics. The vaccine will be available through federal programs like Vaccines for Children when a contract has been negotiated with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medicaid coverage is determined on a state-by-state basis and many states are already preparing to provide the vaccine.

What will the HPV vaccine cost?

The retail cost of the vaccine is $120 per dose, and a series of three doses will be needed. The cost of the vaccine will vary by state, by health plan, as well as among programs for the uninsured and
underinsured.

Will health plans cover the vaccines?

When the ACIP recommends a vaccine, most private insurers and health plans will 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 vaccinations for those age groups recommended by the ACIP. In addition, the ACIP issued a resolution that the FDA-approved HPV vaccine be included in the federal Vaccine for Children (VFC) program, which provides immunizations to uninsured and underinsured children through age 18.

Will HPV vaccination be required for school entrance?

Individual states will need to decide if HPV vaccination will be required for school entrance. Further, they will need to determine if any immunization exemptions will apply. As of May 2004, all 50 states allow vaccination exemptions for medical reasons, with 48 states allowing exemptions for religious reasons and 20 states allowing exemptions for philosophical reasons.

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

Yes. HPV vaccines should be part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. Screening using advanced and appropriate technologies, such as HPV testing, will still be 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?

If people meet the age requirements for the FDA-approved HPV vaccine, they should contact their doctor's office, state department of health or local health clinic to find out if they offer it. If insured, they should also contact their health plan to learn if the cost of the vaccine is reimbursed.

What is Women In Government doing to implement the HPV vaccine?

Women In Government supports FDA-approved HPV vaccines for all age-appropriate girls and women regardless of their socioeconomic status. As part of the "Challenge to Eliminate Cervical Cancer Campaign," we look forward to educating our members, the public and healthcare providers about the HPV vaccine. Women In Government also believes that HPV vaccines should be part of comprehensive cervical cancer prevention programs that also use advanced and appropriate screening methods, such as HPV testing.