Changes

'''Gardasil''' is a [[vaccine]] that protects girls and women from [[HPV]] infection. Campaigns to require mandatory vaccination have attracted outcry, particularly from conservatives.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1206813,00.html</ref>

'''Gardasil''' is a [[vaccine]] that protects girls and women from [[HPV]] infection. Campaigns to require mandatory vaccination have attracted outcry, particularly from conservatives.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1206813,00.html</ref>

'''Gardasil''', protects against types 6, 11, 16 and 18 of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted disease that is endemic among sexually active people, with 80% of those who have sex with more than one partner carrying the disease, usually without any symptoms.<ref>http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hnf/hnf_6403.htm</ref>  These strains of HPV have been associated with 70% of cervical cancer cases and may also play a role in the development of other types of cancer <ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV]</ref>. In June 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Gardasil based on the results of four separate studies which showed elevated [[antibody]] levels in recipients of the vaccine.<ref> http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5602a1.htm</ref>  Although the study period was not long enough to see if cervical cancer would develop, the studies did show that the vaccine was 100% effective in preventing the pre-cancerous lesions and genital warts caused by HPV <ref>http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01385.html</ref>

'''Gardasil''', protects against types 6, 11, 16 and 18 of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted disease that is endemic among sexually active people, with 80% of those who have sex with more than one partner carrying the disease, usually without any symptoms.<ref>http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hnf/hnf_6403.htm</ref>  These strains of HPV have been associated with 70% of cervical cancer cases and may also play a role in the development of other types of cancer <ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV]</ref>. In June 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Gardasil based on the results of four separate studies which showed elevated [[antibody]] levels in recipients of the vaccine.<ref> https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5602a1.htm</ref>  Although the study period was not long enough to see if cervical cancer would develop, the studies did show that the vaccine was 100% effective in preventing the pre-cancerous lesions and genital warts caused by HPV <ref>http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01385.html</ref>

The HPV vaccine does not protect against any other sexually transmitted diseases.  The vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women or girls.<ref>http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil/gardasil_pi.pdf</ref>

The HPV vaccine does not protect against any other sexually transmitted diseases.  The vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women or girls.<ref>http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil/gardasil_pi.pdf</ref>

Merck manufactures the HPV vaccine ("Gardasil") and sells it for $360 ($120 per shot in a three-shot series).  Its package insert explains the limitations of the vaccine and describes its testing for safety and efficacy.<ref>http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil/gardasil_pi.pdf</ref>

Merck manufactures the HPV vaccine ("Gardasil") and sells it for $360 ($120 per shot in a three-shot series).  Its package insert explains the limitations of the vaccine and describes its testing for safety and efficacy.<ref>http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil/gardasil_pi.pdf</ref>

Alternative means of protection against cervical cancer include [[abstinence]] (most effective) and barrier contraception which reduces the likelihood of exposure, but does not eliminate risk.<ref>http://cdc.gov/STD/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#reducerisk</ref>  Early signs of cervical cancer can be detected via pap smear which is effective if done regularly, but only ''detects'' infection or precancerous changes.  It does not ''prevent'' infection, but can prevent progression from infection to cancer. <ref>http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#cancer</ref>.  

Alternative means of protection against cervical cancer include [[abstinence]] (most effective) and barrier contraception which reduces the likelihood of exposure, but does not eliminate risk.<ref>http://cdc.gov/STD/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#reducerisk</ref>  Early signs of cervical cancer can be detected via pap smear which is effective if done regularly, but only ''detects'' infection or precancerous changes.  It does not ''prevent'' infection, but can prevent progression from infection to cancer. <ref>https://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#cancer</ref>.  

Proponents praise it as the first vaccine against cancer. Opponents say it will lead to sexual [[disinhibition]].<ref>The New Scientist in Britain quoted the [[Family Research Council]]'s Bridget Maher warning that "giving the HPV vaccine to young women could be potentially harmful, because they may see it as a license to engage in premarital sex." [http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1206813,00.html Defusing the War Over the "Promiscuity" Vaccine - TIME]</ref>

Proponents praise it as the first vaccine against cancer. Opponents say it will lead to sexual [[disinhibition]].<ref>The New Scientist in Britain quoted the [[Family Research Council]]'s Bridget Maher warning that "giving the HPV vaccine to young women could be potentially harmful, because they may see it as a license to engage in premarital sex." [http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1206813,00.html Defusing the War Over the "Promiscuity" Vaccine - TIME]</ref>