North Carolina: Duke Students Can Receive HPV Vaccine

Duke University's Student Health Center has begun administering Gardasil, the vaccine that protects against the four strains of the STD human papillomavirus that cause 70 percent of cervical cancer cases and 90 percent of genital warts. The three shots will cost $140 each with a full course treatment of $420. Lindsey Bickers Bock, health education specialist for Student Health, said only about 50 percent of insurance providers cover the vaccination. Student Health will not charge additional fees to administer the drug, she said. The center will also promote Gardasil, which is approved for use in females ages nine to 26. "We're using the resources we have through our health promotions service and doing more education with our faculty and staff," said Devdutta Sangvai, Student Health's medical director.

Back to other news for August 31, 2006