HPV Vaccinations
VNA of Southeast Michigan offers individual immunizations at its Oak Park office or on-site immunization clinics for your school or community organization. To schedule a clinic:

HPV is the most common sexually-transmitted infection in the United States. For most women, the body's own defense system will clear the virus, and infected women may not develop related-health problems. However, some HPV types can cause abnormal cells on the lining of the cervix that, years later, can turn into cancer. HPV can also cause genital warts. Additionally, both men and women who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms and can pass the virus on without even knowing it.

The HPV Vaccine
Gardasil®, manufactured by Merck, is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, pre cancerous genital lesions and genital warts due to HPV. Clinical trials have shown that the vaccine is highly effective against four types of the HPV virus, including two that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer and two that cause 90 percent of genital warts. Those who have not acquired HPV would experience the full benefits of the vaccine.

Who should receive the HPV vaccine?
Routine vaccine is recommended for girls 11 to 12 years of age. Doctors may give it to girls as young as 9 years of age. The vaccine is also recommended for girls and women 13-26 years of age who did not receive it when they were younger.

The vaccine is administered in three doses during a six-month period and works best prior to exposure due to sexual activity.