News Releases

For Immediate Release:  May 24, 2007                                        

Contact:  Cari Hammond, Immunization Coordinator 509 886-6411

New Vaccine Available Now for Girls 11 through 18 from the Vaccines for Children /(VFC) Program and the Department of Health

Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is now accessible to young girls through the vaccines for children program offered through the Department of Health. This reduces the overall cost for parents since the cost for the vaccine product is paid for leaving only the cost for the office call and/or administration fee.

This vaccine can prevent two types of HPV which are responsible for the majority (70%) of cervical cancers. Recommendations for this vaccine include targeting young girls before sexual activity and potential exposure to HPV occur. This vaccine also protects against two more HPV strains that cause 90% of all genital warts.

The Centers for Disease Control recommendation is to offer this vaccine to all 11-12 year old girls as routine. However as a new vaccine girls ages 11 through 18 can catch up. The vaccine is approved for women ages 9 through 26 years; however the VFC program does not pay for vaccines for those beyond 18 years of age.

Chelan Douglas Health District has this vaccine now. This vaccine is provided in a series of three shots over six months. With the majority of cervical cancers affecting young women this vaccine will be hailed as a major benefit for the next generation of young mothers and their daughters.

Public Health “Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Community”