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to 12 and as early as 9 years of age. "Why so young? " you may ask. The reason given is to allow the young girl's immune system to be activated before an encounter with HPV. In actuality, this means that doctors feel the vaccine should be given before a girl becomes sexually active. According to Janet Gilsdorf, M.D., director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital , " By 15 years of age, about 25% of American young people have become sexually active . And by age 17, 50% have already done so. "Nonetheless this vaccine focuses on younger girls between "11 and 12 years because most girls have not had sex at that age." she remarks.

It should be acknowledged that the vaccine is most effective for women who haven't been exposed to any of the 4 HPV strains included in the vaccine. It is important to remember that this vaccine does not treat cases of HPV, genital warts, precancer or cancers of any type already existing.

Women should maintain a regular schedule for Pap tests, pelvic examines and other preventative health care checkups especially if they were sexually active before receiving the vaccine and who possibly acquired one of the 4 HPV types for which the vaccine protects against.

Under consideration by a number of states and locations are policies about the administration of the vaccine. Whether or not the cervical cancer vaccine should be a part of the routine vaccinations required for school enrollment remains to be decided on by means of a state-by-state evaluation.

Are doctors and companies such as Merck & Co. Inc, the makers of Garasil really interested in your daughter's welfare or the money in their pocket? You decide. The cost for each of the 3 shots amount to $120 each adding up to $360 for the complete vaccine. Sadly, Merck was accused of a behind-the-scenes campaign to get states to require 6th. grade girls to receive the vaccine in order to attend school. Merck has since ended that campaign.Although some insurance companies are beginning to cover the high cost, it is feared that many won't receive the vaccine because of the price tag. There exists federal programs such as Vaccines for Children Program that provide the vaccination free of charge to girls younger than 19 who are uninsured , eligible for Medicaid , American Indian or Alaska Native.

Garasil is approved for sale in 85 countries and waiting approval in 40 more with about $1 billion in sales since it was launched in the U.S. in June of 2006. The race to develop similar vaccines is headed by GlaxoSmithKline PLC with its brand, Cervarix.

Sources:
Linda Johnson Associated Press
Carolyn Kleiner Butler content provided by Revolution Health Group
Bobbie Gostout, M.D. Mayo Clinic

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