January 28, 2008 - 1:00am
By Nikhita Parandekar
Ever since Gardasil was approved by the FDA in June 2006, it has been widely advertised by the manufacturers as “the only cervical cancer vaccine.” However, it comes with a steep price tag that might deter some women from getting the vaccine.
Full vaccination requires three shots that are 132 dollars apiece if not covered by health insurance.
Gardasil is designed for women aged nine to 26 and it protects against human papillomavirus strains six, 11, 16 and 18. Strains 6 and 11 cause 90 percent of genital warts, and strains 16 and 18 cause 70 percent of cervical cancers. The series of three shots is given over the course of six months, with the first two shots being two months apart and the last shot coming four months later.
