Preventing HPV: Opinions vary on requiring girls to be vaccinated

Jeff Broddle | Cadillac News Karen Lawton, R.N. works in the vaccination clinic in the District 10 Health Department in Cadillac. Vaccinations for the prevention of cervical cancer are available for girls and women ages 9 to 26.

Local healthcare providers are beginning to administer the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, the cancer claiming more American women’s live than any other. Recommended for girls beginning at age 9, it is likely the vaccine will become a routine part of immunization schedules in the future.

“With this recently release vaccine — until it becomes approved for a typical vaccination profile, we are playing catch-up,” said Kristin Shank, physician assistant for Women’s Health Specialists in Cadillac. “It’s important that young ladies be made aware of it because of the positive effects in preventing cervical disease.”

Although considered an important advancement in women’s health and believed effective, the vaccine does not replace other prevention strategies such as cervical cancer screenings, or safe sex practices, according to the Centers for Disease Control. For that reason, area healthcare providers believe it is critical to provide information to young women and their parents about the vaccine’s benefits and limitations.

CADILLAC — With a strong family history of cancer, Jane Agren is jumping at the chance to see her three daughters receive the vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer, but not all women share her confidence in the new product.

“I figure any way we can avoid cancer is a big plus,” she said.

Manufactured by Merck, Gardasil is given in a series of three shots to protect women against cervical cancer, genital lesions and genital warts due to human papillomavirus (HPV). It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last June for females 9 to 26 years of age and is just now becoming available at local health clinics.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease. For most women the body’s own defense system will clear the virus and infected women do not develop related health problems. But some HPV types cause abnormal cell growth leading to cervical cancer, the cancer claiming more American women’s lives than any other form of cancer.

Agren’s physicians have recommended her daughters, ages 11, 14 and 16, receive the vaccine and she’s trusting their judgment.

“I don’t have a lot of time for research, so I’m putting it in their hands,” she said.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the vaccine following the FDA’s approval that was given in six months under a priority review process.

The quick sanction causes LuAnn Graf to take a cautionary approach.

“It is always bothersome when a drug is rushed. There are young peoples’ lives at stake,” she said. Graf is director of Care Net of Cadillac, an organization servicing the Pregnancy Resource Center.

“I believe it could be a good thing,” she said. “ But we have to be very careful how we educate them. We don’t want them to think it will protect them from all sexual disease. It will not.”

Cadillac’s Women’s Health Specialists will present a question and answer session March 22 at McGuire’s Resort to provide information about Gardasil to young women, their parents and guardians. The health care providers recommend the vaccine but find it is causing some confusion on the delivery end.

“This is one of those things that falls through (the cracks) as to where it should be dealt with, at a pediatrician’s office or a female health office,” said Kristin Shank, physician assistant for the clinic.

The clinic is anticipating a supply of the vaccine to arrive within two weeks. The sponsored discussion session will address the vaccine and other cervical cancer prevention methods.

“Our intent is to cover the bare basics and to provide the understanding that this is something that might make its way into the vaccination schedule,” Shank said.

District Health Department No. 10 has begun administering the Gardasil series upon request.

“The vaccine was studied in 21,000 girls and women and is 100 percent effective in preventing four types of HPV,” said Anne Youngs, RN, Maternal Child Manager for the department.

It is also the most expensive vaccine created, costing $360 or more for the series. The health department administers the vaccine without profit. There is a minimal charge for those on Medicaid or the underinsured. Others are advised to check with their medical insurance carriers for coverage details.

Following FDA approval of the vaccine, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans with immunization coverage included the HPV vaccine.

“Most (Blue Cross) plans in northern Michigan have immunization coverage,” said Frank Smith, regional marketing representative for the nonprofit insurance company. “You should check with your employer.”

Coverage could depend on the age parameters within a policy and whether immunization coverage extends to adults.

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