Henrico and Bremo Pharmacies want to help you join the fight against cervical cancer, the second most common cause of cancer death in women worldwide.
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Now there is a new vaccine that helps protect against cervical cancer. Gardasil protects against infection from 4 HPV types, including 2 types that cause about 70% of cervical cancers.
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WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?
HOW CAN I PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER?
TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE HPV VACCINE (GARDASIL)
What does the vaccine prevent?
Who should get the vaccine?
Who should NOT get the vaccine?
Will the vaccine protect me against all cervical cancers?
Where is the vaccine injected?
Do I only need to get the vaccine one time?
What side effects should I know about?
Will my insurance cover the vaccine?
Who should I call if I have further questions?
WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?
Cancer of the Cervix occurs in 13,000 American women per year. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Unlike many forms of cancer, scientists have identified a cause for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is most often the result of a viral infection. Seventy percent of all cases are caused by two specific viral strains of Human Papilloma Virus (Strains 16 and 18). Human Papilloma Virus, also known as HPV, sometimes does not clear up completely after exposure. If the virus doesn't go away on its own, abnormal cells can develop in the lining of the cervix. If not discovered early and treated, these abnormal cells can become cervical pre-cancers and then cancer. About 20 million people in the US are infected with HPV and by the age of 50, at least 80% of women have had an HPV infection.
HOW CAN I PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER?
1. Reduce Your Risk - Cervical cancer is more likely to develop in women who are sexually active at a younger age, women who smoke, and women who have multiple partners. The first step to prevention is to avoid high-risk behaviors. To assess your own risk of cervical cancer, a personalized risk assessment is available online. The website is full of useful information about risk and prevention. Please note that over the years, even women who are careful to avoid risk factors can develop cervical cancer. This is why steps 2 and 3 are important.
2. Get Vaccinated - A new vaccine called GARDASIL is available to prevent development of the four most common strains of HPV. By preventing the most common HPV strains, the vaccine will greatly reduce, but not eliminate the risk of cervical cancer. GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months. It is now available at many physician offices as well as at our pharmacies (Bremo, Bremo LTC and Henrico).
3. Get Regular Pap Smears - Since even the most careful woman can develop the disease, early detection is also important. If HPV or abnormal cells are detected on examination, the disease can be prevented by early treatment. Annual gynecologic exams are essential in this level of prevention. In fact, even if you avoid the risks and get vaccinated against HPV, there is some possibility of still developing cervical cancer. Annual exams will continue to be important despite the availability of the HPV vaccine.
TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE HPV VACCINE (GARDASIL)
What does the vaccine prevent?
The vaccine, called GARDASIL, protects against four strains of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18). The vaccine prevents the two strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer in 70% of cases (16,18). It also protects against another two strains of HPV that cause genital warts in 90% of cases (6,11). Genital warts are transmitted in about 2 out of 3 people who have sexual contact with a person who has genital warts. Even if the genital warts are treated, 25% of cases come back within 3 months if HPV is still present. Genital warts are usually flesh-colored growths.
Who should get the vaccine?
Girls and women ages 9 to 26 should get the vaccine. For those who are beyond teen years, GARDASIL works when given before having contact with HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Those who have already been infected with HPV can still benefit from GARDASIL because it is unlikely that you have been infected with all 4 types of the virus covered by the vaccine. Adults (over 18) may receive the vaccine at the pharmacy without a written prescription. Any female under 18 who would like to have the vaccine administered at the pharmacy may have the doctor call a prescription to the pharmacy for administration.
Who should NOT get the vaccine?
-Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to yeast, to any other component of HPV vaccine, or to a previous dose of HPV vaccine should not get the vaccine.
-Pregnant women
-Anyone who has a moderate to severe illness should wait until they recover to receive the vaccine
Will the vaccine protect me against all cervical cancers?
No, the vaccine only targets the four most common viral strains responsible for cervical cancer. There are over 40 types of HPV, therefore screening (regular Pap test) is still a very important tool to detect cancer and precancerous lesions from other HPV types.
Where is the vaccine injected?
GARDASIL is given IM, which means injection into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm
Do I only need to get the vaccine one time?
GARDASIL is given as 3 separate doses. The second dose should be given 2 months after the first dose and the third dose should be given 6 months after the first dose. For the vaccine to be most effective you and your health care provider need to follow this schedule closely.
What side effects should I know about?
The most common side effects associated with GARDASIL are redness and soreness at the injection site. Other mild problems include mild-moderate fever (100-102°F) and itching at the injection site. These symptoms should not last long and go away on their own. Other less common side effects include fainting/dizziness and nausea.
Allergic reactions are rare but will occur within minutes to hours after receiving the vaccine. Any unusual signs or symptoms should be reported immediately to your health care provider.
Will my insurance cover the vaccine?
We are finding that most insurance companies do cover the vaccine. It is always wise to check first with your insurance company about their coverage and policy. At the pharmacy we charge a $20 administration fee in addition to the copay or coinsurance that your insurance company may require.
Who should I call if I have further questions?
Please call the pharmacists at Bremo and Henrico Pharmacies if you have further questions and/or concerns.
Bremo Pharmacy 804-288-8361
Bremo Pharmacy @ Henrico Doctors 804-285-7730