The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is contains virus-like particles of various strains of HPV, is designed to prevent infection from specific species of HPV. There are two vaccines on the market presently: Cervarix and Gardasil. Both vaccines protect against cervical cancer, and Gardasil also prevents against strains of HPV which cause genital warts.

It is estimated that approximately 80 to 90% of all sexually active adult females will contract HPV at some point in their lives, although the majority of these women will not develop complications from the virus and it will resolve on its own. Despite this, however, 470,000 cases of cervical cancer develop in each year that results in 233,000 deaths, and HPV is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer.

Numerous public health officials in countries all across the world including the United States, England, France, Spain, Italy, Australia and Canada recommend that young women become vaccinated against HPV before they become sexually active, however there is still significant controversy over whether or not to mandate these vaccinations. In the United States, Gardasil is approved by the FDA for use in women as young as nine years old.

The major protein found in HPV will assemble, at random, into virus-like particles that resemble actual strains of the virus. The vaccine contains these virus-like particles, which, because they do not have the DNA necessary to reproduce, cannot actually cause an infection. The body responds to the vaccination by producing antibodies which prevent future infection.

Numerous Texas health insurance companies do not cover the cost of the HPV vaccine, and the out of pocket costs may be as high as $120 per dose, with the full course of treatment requiring three full doses. The National Cancer Institute, however, states that, "Widespread vaccination has the potential to reduce cervical cancer deaths around the world by as much as two-thirds, if all women were to take the vaccine and if protection turns out to be long-term."

If you are concerned about the cost of the HPV vaccine and would like to look into your options for Texas health insurance, visit Texas Health Insurance Options at texashealthinsuranceoptions.com 

Joseph Devine