Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: News

Media Credit: John Ehlke Livonia freshman Lauren Anderson said she plans to get her third HPV vaccine shot. Anderson had her first vaccine in August and a second one in October. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: John Ehlke "We think that is what killed my grandmother," says Livonia freshman Lauren Anderson as she clutches a picture of her cousin, Carly Wilson, who was tested for cervical cancer, but the tests came back negative. Anderson is taking precautions; she's had her first two and she will get her third HPV vaccine shot in February. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: John Ehlke Central Michigan University Health Services offers the vaccine Gardasil for the human papillomavirus. "It's going to trigger your body to produce antibodies," said Sarah Yonder, University Health Services physician. The human papillomavirus targets high risk strains that can lead to cervical cancer or genital warts. [Click to enlarge]

Clarification: Livonia freshman Lauren Anderson misspoke when she said her cousin, Carly Wilson, was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Her family has said Wilson was tested for the disease, but tests came back negative.


For Livonia freshman Lauren Anderson, the risk of cervical cancer hits close to home.

Anderson's cousin was tested for the disease this summer. Since then, Anderson has received two of the Gardasil vaccine's three doses, which are administered over a six-month period.

"I think it's really important," Anderson said. "I hope it helps a lot, so that I don't get cancer, too."

Anderson isn't alone.

Other female students at Central Michigan University also are taking measures to protect themselves against cervical cancer by receiving the vaccine.


University Health Services Physician Sarah Yonder said Gardasil, which has been available for about a year and a half, has been gaining popularity with women at CMU.

Gardasil builds resistance in the body against four types of human papillomavirus that cause cervical cancer in women, she said.

Yonder said the vaccine lowers the risk of developing cervical cancer by 70 percent.

"It's extremely important for future preventative health," she said.

University Health Services registered nurse Jill Steffke said Gardasil is requested between 10 and 20 times a week.

"It's really increased since last school year," she said.

Yonder said even university staff members bring their daughters in to receive the vaccine, which is approved for women between the ages of nine and 26.

However, if a woman already has been exposed to HPV, the effectiveness of the vaccine could be lowered, Yonder said.

"It doesn't treat HPV," she said. "The vaccine is going to set up a defense system in the body to protect against future exposure."

Women who have received Gardasil should still practice safe sex and receive annual gynecological exams, Yonder said.

"You still have to use common sense and protect yourself," she said. "It protects you, but it doesn't protect you 100 percent."

Dr. Steven O. Podolsky, Central Michigan Community Hospital gynecologist, said he tries to educate all his eligible patients about receiving Gardasil.

"Anything that can cut your risk for cervical cancer by 70 percent is a good thing," he said. "The more protection you can have against it, the better."

However, Podolsky said Gardasil's high price is one reason women decide against receiving the vaccine. If insurance will not cover the cost, a patient can expect to pay about $450 for the full course of the vaccine, he said.

Podolsky said he recommends shopping around if cost becomes an issue, as different clinics and health departments have different prices.

University Health Services charges $145 for each of the three Gardasil doses.

There is no risk of receiving HPV from the vaccine itself, Yonder said.

Gardasil's side effects are mild and can include pain and swelling at the injection site. Ask medical professionals for additional side effects or complications.


news@cm-life.com

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