Human Papilloma Virus
HPV(Human Pailloma Virus) is a common virus that affects both females and males. Most types of HPV are harmless and go away on their own. However some types are high risk and can cause cervical cancer and abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix.
Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity involving gential contact could get genital HPV. many people who have HPV may not show any kind of sign or symptom but may still transmit the virus to others without even knowing it. HPV causes genital warts in both males and females and because some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer it is important to consider the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine protects against 4 major types of HPV. These include the two types that cause about 70% of cervical cancer and the two types that cause about 90% of genital warts. HPV vaccine can prevent most most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. Please go to HPV.com for more information about this disease.
GARDASIL is the only vaccine that may help guard against diseases that are caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. GARDASIL is reccomended for girls and women ages 13-26 years of age and is available at WSC Health Center. Please call the Health Center at 943-2707 to schedule an appointment. This vaccine is given as a 3 dose series and may or may not be covered by your insurance company. By calling the phone number provided on your medical benefit card, you can determine whether you have coverage for GARDASIL and whether any co-pays, co-insurance or deductables apply that you will be responsible for paying.
Questions you may want to ask your health plan:
- Do I have insurance coverage for GARDASIL[Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus(types 6, 11, 16, 18) Recombinat Vaccine]?
- Are there any restrictions on coverage?
- Will I bear any cost for GARDASIL?
- Deductables that may apply to GARDASIL.
- Incremental cost if an out of network provider is used.
- Is there an annual coverage maximum on wellness or preventive services that may affect my coverage for GARDASIL?
Please contact your insurance company and obtain these answers before your appointment, and be sure to share this information with the Health Center.
If your insurance company does not offer any reimbursement you will be asked to pay the full ammount of the vaccination at the time of the visit. Each dose costs $185 and is given in a 3 dose series. The total cost is $555 and may sound expensive, but compare that to the financial and emotional cost of having cervical cancer.