“You could be one less person affected by cervical cancer,” reads the ad from Merck pharmaceuticals, advertising their new vaccine, Gardasil. Amazingly, it’s true. The FDA approved the vaccine for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in June and is being recommended by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society. The even better news is that the vaccine is now widely covered by personal health insurance.

Approximately 6.2 million people are infected with the HPV virus each year. Most of the time, women’s own immune system will clear it. However, the virus can lead to abnormal precancerous cells on the cervix (called dysplasia) and cervical cancer. On average, there are 9,710 new cases of cervical cancer each year in the United States, leading to the deaths of 3,700 women. The Gardasil vaccine protects against infection from the four most common strains of HPV, preventing 70% of cervical cancer and 90% of genital warts.

Vaccination is approved for girls and women from 9 to 26 years of age. It is highly recommended to be given to girls as soon as they are eligible because the vaccine is most effective when given prior to the onset of any sexual activity.

The vaccine is given as a three-shot series over a six-month period. Women who have already been infected by HPV should still be vaccinated, because they could still be protected from other not yet contracted strains.

Gardasil is the first vaccine of its kind, and is a major breakthrough in cancer prevention and women’s healthcare. Significant amounts of time and money are spent, and distress experienced, by women diagnosed with abnormal pap smears. Now this can be prevented for the majority of women. However, because the vaccine does not immunize against less common strains of the virus, it remains important to get annual screening exams and pap smears.

To get more information about the HPV vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider. If you or your daughter are 26 years of age or younger, you are urged to schedule your vaccination without delay. You can also visit www.gardasil.com for information and important questions to ask your doctor. Cervical cancer is a dangerous killer that has affected the lives of thousands of women. Please don’t miss this important and historic opportunity to protect you and your loved ones.

Lori D. Halderman, M.D. Ob/Gyn is Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and practices out of North Central Women’s Health Partners in McKinney.