Hollister
– A new vaccine against one of the most prevalent sexually
transmitted diseases is now available in Hollister, and many local
parents are looking into the possibility of having their children
vaccinated.
Hollister – A new vaccine against one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases is now available in Hollister, and many local parents are looking into the possibility of having their children vaccinated.
Human papillomavirus is a common sexually transmitted disease that causes both genital warts and cervical cancer. But a new immunization that came out in 2006 protects against most forms of the virus that cause both cancer and warts.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, HPV infects about 6.2 million people each year in the United States, and nearly 80 percent of women have had some form of an HPV infection by the time they are 50.
Gardasil, the vaccination against HPV, was approved by the FDA in June of 2006. The immunization has been available in Hollister since fall, when several local OB/GYNs began carrying the vaccine. However, some local doctors still do not have it available, both because of the cost and because it is still a new vaccine with some controversy surrounding it.
“I think any pediatrician will eventually carry it,” said Dr. Sylvia Morgan, a Hollister obstetrician and gynecologist who has provided the immunization since October. “When anything comes out new, it takes a while for it to join the mainstream.”
The U.S. Department of Health recommends that the vaccination be given to females between the ages of 11 and 26 – and even to girls as young as 9 – which has caused some controversy among parents who feel this might encourage sexual activity in their children.
“When you’re thinking of the HPV vaccine, you’re thinking of your child having sex, and no one wants to do that,” said Dr. Ralph Armstrong, a Hollister obstetrician and gynecologist. “But you have to look at the prevalence of the disease. There’s a controversy over, should kids get it? But those are the ones who are going to benefit most.”
This week, Armstrong gave an informational presentation to Hollister community members on HPV as well as the new vaccine.
“It’s important to get people educated, to let people know that they should be getting it,” Armstrong said.
Darcy Stevenson attended the presentation with her 16-year-old daughter, Afton. She said she wanted to go with her daughter to make sure they were both informed about the disease. After the meeting, they both discussed the vaccination and agreed Afton should get it.
“I feel that if it’s something that will keep our children healthy – and in this case safe – then we should do it,” Stevenson said.
While many local parents are trying to become educated on the sexually transmitted disease, the immunization is still out of reach for some because of the cost.
The Gardasil vaccine is made up of three doses, which cost $120 each for a total cost of $360. Because the shot is still new, some insurance companies do not yet cover it, so Morgan stressed that families should ask their provider first.
For those who do not have medical insurance, the Hazel Hawkins Community Health Clinic provides free immunizations to members of families that qualify for the Children’s Health Disability Prevention Program, a state-run program.
Alice Joy covers education and health for the Free Lance. She can be reached at (831) 637-5566 ext. 336 or at
aj**@fr***********.com
.
