Two health professionals advised students to get the new vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV) last night at a discussion that is part of HPV Vaccine Awareness Week.
The FDA approved the vaccine, Gardasil, in June 2006 after an accelerated review process. Women receive the vaccine, which is available at McCosh Health Center, in three doses over the course of six months.
The talk, organized by the Sexual Health Advisors (SHA) and the Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB) attracted a small number of students, mostly limited to SHAB members who wanted to learn more about the vaccine and the HPV virus, which, statistics suggest, has been contracted by 40 percent of college students by graduation.
The discussion was led by Adel Mahmoud, a molecular biology and Wilson School professor, and Olga Hernandez, director of women's and men's health at University Health Services.
Mahmoud, a former president of Merck & Co., the drug company that developed and markets Gardasil, worked on the development of the vaccine.
Mahmoud said the vaccine greatly reduces a woman's chances of contracting HPV, which has been linked to the development of cervical cancer. The virus is spread by close physical contact, including but not limited to penetrative sex.
Both Hernandez and Mahmoud recommended any female between the ages of 11 and 25 be vaccinated, regardless of sexual history.
Mahmoud countered arguments from some religious and political groups which have opposed the vaccine. He called claims that the vaccine might increase promiscuity "utter nonsense."
"Sex education did not increase promiscuity," he said, "but it did improve students' sexual health." Mahmoud added that vaccinations in general are the most efficient way of controlling infectious diseases.
Hernandez said 478 female students have been vaccinated at McCosh since October 2006, and the number of student requests for the vaccine has continued to increase.
Ideally, Hernandez said, the vaccination series should start in the fall semester so that it can be completed within the academic year.
"The vaccine is relatively new, so we're trying to spread awareness about the vaccine and let people know why they should get it. The time is now," said SHAB secretary and treasurer Katherine Hamilton '08, who organized the forum.
Mary Cait Walthall '08, a SHA, said she came to the talk "to find out more about the vaccine and be able to tell people why they should get it."
Hernandez urged students to tell others about the vaccine and to make an appointment at McCosh. When asked if she had a message for the University's female population concerning the vaccine, she said, "It's great. Just get it."
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