Spring Break
Gardasil: A shot in the right direction
Kassie Lechner
Issue date: 10/15/08 Section: Lifestyle
"The only side effects I got were cold sores on the edges of my mouth, and I know a lot of girls who have gotten that before," Haroldson said. "It's just because it (the vaccine) is a bacteria. I haven't heard of any other side effects from girls who I know who've gotten the shot."
Although there have been some adverse side effects, many patients have had most of the pain occur during the time the shot is administered.
"The biggest reaction that is noted is generally localized pain at the injection site," Bright said.
The four types of HPV Gardasil protects against "70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts," according to the CDC Web site. The CDC has made it clear "the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV" and "does not prevent about 10 percent of genital warts," according to the CDC Web site.
To prevent cervical cancer, it is recommended by the American Cancer Society women receive regular Pap tests, and even after receiving the Gardasil vaccine, women should still have frequent Pap tests. Women who have HPV, which is transmitted through sexual contact, are more likely to develop cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Pap tests are offered at the Ambrose Health Center for a fee of $35.
"Students can call and make an appointment with our front office," Bright said. "They can also go online to our Web site to see about other information."
Haroldson is glad she got the shot, and recommends other girls to get the Gardasil shot. She also found it convenient that her doctor sent her e-mails before her appointments to remind her she had a shot coming up.
"I would recommend other girls to get the shot because there are many ways to get STDs, and even though it doesn't cure the STD you have, it does prevent cervical cancer and other things that go along with unprotected sex," Haroldson said.
Although there have been some adverse side effects, many patients have had most of the pain occur during the time the shot is administered.
"The biggest reaction that is noted is generally localized pain at the injection site," Bright said.
The four types of HPV Gardasil protects against "70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts," according to the CDC Web site. The CDC has made it clear "the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV" and "does not prevent about 10 percent of genital warts," according to the CDC Web site.
To prevent cervical cancer, it is recommended by the American Cancer Society women receive regular Pap tests, and even after receiving the Gardasil vaccine, women should still have frequent Pap tests. Women who have HPV, which is transmitted through sexual contact, are more likely to develop cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Pap tests are offered at the Ambrose Health Center for a fee of $35.
"Students can call and make an appointment with our front office," Bright said. "They can also go online to our Web site to see about other information."
Haroldson is glad she got the shot, and recommends other girls to get the Gardasil shot. She also found it convenient that her doctor sent her e-mails before her appointments to remind her she had a shot coming up.
"I would recommend other girls to get the shot because there are many ways to get STDs, and even though it doesn't cure the STD you have, it does prevent cervical cancer and other things that go along with unprotected sex," Haroldson said.
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