HPV Vaccine Restrictions????

[justme1972]

I went to the health department today to get my physical for nursing school and I went ahead and just got a full physical while I was there.

They mentioned the HPV vaccine, and I asked if I could take it. Granted, I'm married and have a good marriage, but you never know when your spouse might do something that you aren't aware of.

I was told that because I was over the age of 26...they don't give it.

What's up with that?

[Jolie, BSN]

Your Health Department is following the CDC and AAP guidelines for the vaccine.

It is recommended for young women prior to the onset of sexual activity. The younger it is given, the stronger the immune response seems to be. For that reason, vaccinating at a very early age (9 years) may be prudent. The immune response to the HPV vaccine drops off with age, becoming much weaker by the time a woman reaches her mid 20's.

Have you been tested for HPV? If you are KNOWN to be negative, you might be able to pursuade a private physician to vaccinate you, but most health departments adhere to published guidelines for vaccine administration. If you are tested and are already positive, the vaccine won't be of any benefit. You would need to have regular Pap tests to detect any cervical changes in the early, treatable stages.

So to sum it up, vaccinating a sexually active woman over the age of 26 is just not the best use of a limited resource.

Stay well!

[puresass]

gardasil is FDA approved for patients aged 9 to 26. after age 26, you can usually pay for it out of pocket, but your insurance won't cover it.

[caldje]

you probably already have HPV.. the virus is very common.. so they had to simply test the vaccine on those who weren't sexually active. literally though, its beginning to seam like you get it after your first kiss... lol

the vast majority of the time, HPV does no damage at all.. so don't worry too much about it.