The American Cancer Society and the CDC recommend routine use of Gardasil in girls

New guidelines published by several national organizations recommend routine vaccination against human papilloma virus (HPV) for females. HPV is the principal cause of cervical cancer. In January 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Cancer society added recommendations for the vaccination to current guidelines.   Recommendations now state that girls aged 11 to 12 should receive the HPV vaccine; the vaccine may be given to females as young as 9 years old and those between the ages of 13 and 26 who have not received the vaccine.

 

An estimated 6 million Americans become infected with HPV every year and 288,000 women die from cervical cancer annually in the United States. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide.

 

The FDA approved the use of Gardasil, a quadravalent vaccine made from HPV-like particles, in June 2006.  Gardasil protects women from 4 prominent strains of HPV that cause over 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. Gardasil is administered intramuscularly in 3 separate doses, with the second and third injections occurring 2 and 6 months after the initial dose. All women should continue to be screened regularly for cervical cancer, even after receiving the vaccine. Gardasil does not treat or eradicate established HPV infections.

 

References:

Saslow D, et al. American Cancer Society Guideline for Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Vaccine Use to Prevent Cervical Cancer and Its Precursors. CA Cancer J Clin 2007;57:7–28

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  Division of STD Prevention. HPV and HPV Vaccine - Information for Healthcare Providers. [Reviewed August 2006] Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV-vaccine-hcp.htm. Accessed January 31, 2007.

 

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, Quadrivalent. Clinical Pharmacology [Internet Database]. Gold Standard, Inc., 2007. Available at: http://www.clinicalpharmacology.com. Accessed January 31, 2007.

 

Preidt R. New American Cancer Society guidelines echo those of other groups [published online January 19, 2007]. Medline Plus: Scoutnews, LLC. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/news/fullstory_44118.html. Accessed January 31,

2007.

 

Prepared by Jen Leasa, Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate