HPV Vaccine

[havefuninsun]

We've had a lot of discussions lately about STD's, and one of the diseases has been HPV.

There is an HPV vaccine available to young women. Why isn't this vaccine available to all women? I've tried to find the answer to no avail (no, I haven't asked my Doctor ... I've not been that logical-LOL). But I wonder if it's because by the time we're "our" collective age, we've been exposed at some point so having the vaccine wouldn't help?

Anyone have any insight?

I know some strands can cause cervical cancer, but from what I've read, it's a very small strand. But if the vaccine can help women NOT have a form of cancer, it seems reasonable for all of us to have it.

[good times]

Originally Posted by havefuninsun

But I wonder if it's because by the time we're "our" collective age, we've been exposed at some point so having the vaccine wouldn't help?

From what I understand, that is one of the primary reasons. I read somewhere that most people over 40 have been already exposed. It is interesting that of the people I know personally that have been diagnosed with HPV, all of them have been under 40, most were in their 20's.

[Hott Times]

I'm not a doctor but I can play one. But I do have exposure to the pharmacy field. It cost the drug companies millions of dollars to bring a drug or vaccine to market and the FDA puts all kinds of conditions/restrictions on how it is to be used and marketed. In the US, I believe, it was only tested on young woman that would be potentially helped by immunizing them against the strains of the HPV virus that causes cervical dysplasia/cancer. This is why the FDA has put age limits to those woman - they were the only ones tested! Oh course they are the ones who are most likely to benefit from the vaccine. I believe over time the age limit will creep up or apply to nonmonogomious couples. My partner is over the age limit but she is getting the 3 dose series. Any medical provider can do this, your insurance company will not likely pay for it though.
The company is also looking at clinical trials FOR MEN using this vaccine outside the USA. Men can get HPV too.
So the final answer is not set in stone yet who should get this vaccine- age range or even sex

[screaminggood]

I think it's aimed at younger women because it's assumed they are most likely to have multiple partners before finding their monogamous mate. The rest of us? A little denial for what they fantasize about and we live!