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Sweet Briar Health Center Begins Offering HPV Vaccine
By: Eugenia Hannon '10
STAFF WRITER

In the past few months, students have probably become more aware of HPV, or Human papillomavirus, as a result of the advertising campaign connected with the release of the HPV vaccine. The vaccine protects against four strains of HPV, two of which are responsible for roughly 70% of cervical cancer cases.

HPV is the most common STD among American women today. Unfortunately, it can be contracted even with correct condom usage, because unlike most other STDs, which are spread through the exchange of bodily fluids, HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Additionally, men act as carriers for the virus, and cannot be tested, so women cannot have their partners screened before engaging in a sexual relationship.

Starting this semester, Sweet Briar’s Health Center now offers the HPV vaccine, which was put on the market in June 2006. All women are encouraged to get the vaccine, even if they presently may not be at risk for HPV infection.

The vaccine is only effective if taken before the age of 26. Women who already have contracted HPV are suggested to get the vaccine anyways, as it is unlikely that they would have contracted all four strains against which the virus protects.

While it is laudable that our Health Center has procured the vaccine for students, the price of the vaccine, roughly $140-160 for each shot (three shots over a period of six months) may be prohibitive for students who do not have $420-480 to spend. While many parents will probably be willing to pay for the vaccine, many students may not be willing to disclose to their parents that they want a vaccine for an STD.

However, the dangers of HPV and cervical cancer will probably prompt many students to save up the money for the vaccine. Cervical cancer is no longer the number one cause of death in women the United States, but in 2002 it was responsible for 4,000 deaths. The CDC states that in that year, over 12,000 women were diagnosed. The CDC estimates that in the United States cervical cancer costs more than two billion dollars to treat.

We talked to a student who discovered last semester that she had HPV. Mary*, found out that she was infected after inquiring about the vaccine at the Health Center. Thankfully, Mary does not carry any cancer-causing strains of HPV.

What does she think of the cost? “I do think that the vaccine is expensive considering how many people it could help, however, I don't believe that you can put a price on something that can help protect you from cervical cancer.”

Mary also believes that Sweet Briar Campus is lucky to have such a vaccine available, although she does wish that “there was more information available and accessible about the actual virus.”

Indeed, HPV information is something the student body must specifically go to the Health Center and request; they provide detailed handouts to those who ask.

Given the number of infections (the CDC predicts that as current rates of infection, at least 80% of women will have contracted a strain of HPV by the time they reach age 50), the Sweet Peas would be wise to put on an informational campaign about the virus and the vaccine. Many students who are still in the dark about the dangers they face might learn information that could save their lives.

HPV is very relevant health issue here at Sweet Briar; it is something that must not be ignored. Offering the vaccine is one huge step, but students and the Health Center must spread awareness of this STD. The more students know, the better.

*the student’s name has been changed to protect her privacy