Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Approved

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is one of the most common STIs in North America and it is estimated that 20% of all North Americans over the age of 11 have HPV. According to Health Canada ‘75 percent of Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime.’ There are over 100 known strains of this virus, the most prevalent being strains 6, 11, 16 and 18. Strains 6 and 11 are responsible for genital warts and strains 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of all cases of cervical cancer. In fact, 100% of all cases of cervical cancer are a result of an HPV infection, which means cervical cancer may be the first human cancer identified to have a single necessary cause. Worldwide, 500,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year and 230,000 die from it.

On June 8, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Quadrivalent Human Papilloma Virus Recombinant Vaccine (Gardasil) for vaccination of females 9 to 26 years of age for prevention of diseases caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Health Canada also approved this vaccine for the same age group during the week of July 10 – 14, 2006. While this drug has been approved, it is not a mandatory vaccine and each province will have to decide if they will pay for it.

In order to be effective the vaccine needs to be given in three doses over a six month period and each dose costs about $135.00. During trials, Gardasil was 100% effective at preventing HPV 16 and 18 related pre-cancers and 99% effective at preventing genital warts caused by HPV 6 and 11. It is unclear whether Gardasil is of any benefit to those already infected with HPV. Gardasil has not been approved for men, but clinical trials are currently underway.

The Medical Institute for Sexual Health supports immunization against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 for three reasons: 1. the possibility of HPV infection resulting from sexual assault, including date rape. 2. the possibility that young persons may marry someone previously exposed to and still carrying the virus. 3. Transmission can occur by skin to skin contact and does not require vaginal intercourse. The Medical Institute also makes clear that its support of the HPV vaccine should not affect the promotion of abstinence education as the primary method of preventing this virus.

Side Fact:
Pap smears or Pap tests are used to detect abnormalities caused by the HPV virus.