PPSCNY is proud to offer FREE Gardasil, the vaccine that prevents the strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases, to women ages 11 to 26. Gardasil is given as a series of three injections over six months.
PPSCNY has received Vaccines for Children (VFC) status, which will allow our health centers to give eligible young women between the ages of 11 and 18 Gardasil free of charge. VFC serves uninsured families, Medicaid eligible families, Native Americans, or those whose health insurance does not cover the entire cost of vaccines. Females younger than 18 will need parental consent to receive Gardasil; women over 18 do not need parental consent for Gardasil.
The vaccine is also 99% effective in preventing the HPV strains that cause about 90% of genital wart cases. Gardasil also protects against vaginal, vulvar and anal cancers, which have been linked to HPV. The vaccine is a major breakthrough in the prevention of cervical cancer, which claims the lives of 4,000 U.S. women each year. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women.
The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended the vaccine be routinely given to females ages 11 and 12. It is also recommended for older girls and women who did not receive the vaccine when they were younger. Ideally, Gardasil should be administered before the onset of sexual activity. However, sexually active young women should still be vaccinated. Gardasil is endorsed by the American Cancer Society, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Even if women have already been infected with HPV, they may still benefit from Gardasil because it is unlikely that they have been infected with all four types of the virus prevented by the vaccine.
Gardasil is given in three doses, 2 and 6 months apart. All three doses are currently required to achieve maximum protection. The vaccines, coupled with regular pap tests, and early detection and treatment, have enormous potential to save lives. This potential can only be realized if those who need the vaccine have access to it - especially by removing the expense. The series of Gardasil shots costs approximately $360 - one of the most expensive vaccines ever. Now that PPSCNY is a VFC provider, income is truly no barrier to staying safe and healthy.
To find out if you are eligible for FREE Gardasil, call 1-800-230-PLAN or write to ppscny@ppfa.org.
Busy? Bring your daughter in on a Saturday!
PPSCNY to hold Saturday Gardasil clinics
To accomodate busy schedules, PPSCNY will hold special Saturday hours specifically for Gardasil vaccine sessions. Gardasil clinics for females ages 11 - 18 will be offered on Saturdays once a month in Oneonta, Binghamton and Norwich. Parents will need to be present to give consent. To find out dates and times, please call your nearest Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN or write to ppscny@ppfa.org.
