McGuire clinic offers new vaccine to women Published April 23, 2007 By Airman Rebekah Phy 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, NJ. -- The 305th Medical Clinic is offering the new Gardasil vaccine to women, ages 12 to 26, to help prevent cervical cancer. "Through the Gardasil vaccine, we're better able to protect women against four strains of the human papilloma virus that we know cause an increased risk of cervical cancer," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Paul Gourley, 305th Medical Group chief of medical staff. "Although the primary mode of HPV transmission is through sexual contact, the key is to start the vaccine early. We want to vaccinate before women are exposed to these types of viruses." Although the target range for women to receive the vaccine is ages 12 to 26, other women may be vaccinated. "If women are outside the age ranges, it doesn't necessarily exclude them - they just have to get a doctor's note," said Dr. Gourley. "We prefer to give the vaccine early, well before our patients become sexually active, to help prevent disease in adulthood; however, it is still beneficial to receive the vaccine even as a young adult." Dr. Gourley said the Gardasil vaccine can be compared to the Hepatitis B vaccine. "Giving the Gardasil vaccine early is very similar to why we start early with Hep B. This is by no means a cure for cervical cancer, and it won't stop all strains of the virus, but it can help prevent some forms of HPV, cervical cancer and lifelong problems associated with them," Dr. Gourley said. "Gardasil is just like other vaccines." Statistically speaking, Dr. Gourley said that an estimated 20 million people in the U.S. are currently infected with HPV - it is a very common virus. "Every year in the U.S., 5.5 million new cases of HPV arise," he said. "For HPV, 1.6 billion is spent yearly in identification, treatment, etc. HPV is a direct link to cervical cancer." "We now have a vaccine that we know will prevent four strains of HPV that could cause cervical cancer. Why wouldn't you want to vaccinate and protect your child against a virus you are able to?" The Gardasil vaccine is currently available at the immunizations clinic for all active duty, Guard, Reserve, family members and retirees. No appointment is needed, and an abundance of stock is available. The vaccine is given in three-steps; when the patient first comes in (zero day), two months after zero day and six months after zero day. According to the Gardasil Web site, anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of Gardasil should not receive the vaccine, and Gardasil is not for women who are pregnant. The injections can cause pain, swelling, itching and redness at the injection site, fever, nausea and dizziness. For more information, visit www.gardasil.com or call the clinic.