Cancer Sucks: Protect yourself with the HPV vaccine
You are the Key to HPV Cancer Prevention!
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), nearly 46,000 people are impacted by cancers caused by HPV every year in the United States. HPV does not discriminate -- it can affect all genders. In fact, approximately 85% of sexually active people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime, according to the CDC.
There's good news: you can receive the HPV Gardasil vaccine at the Student Health Clinic. Call 319-273-2009 to set-up an appointment today!
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that is not spread by bodily fluids, but simply skin to skin contact. Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission, but it doesn’t completely eliminate this risk. Most people with the infection will not have any symptoms. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention HPV is so common that nearly ALL sexually active people will get the virus at some point in their lives. The HPV vaccination, Gardasil 9, is an effective, safe, and long-lasting way to PREVENT HPV and cancers caused by the virus!
The CDC states that over 90% of these types of cancers can be prevented with Gardasil 9. In addition, Gardasil 9 protects against genital warts, and has been shown to be safe and effective. For those who are receiving the vaccine after the age of 15, it is a series of 3 shots over a 6 month period. The vaccine is most effective if given prior to sexual intercourse, but most people don’t know that they have extended the age to receive the vaccine to 45 years old.
Unsure if you have received the vaccine? There are a few ways to find out if you have been vaccinated. First, you can call your health care provider back at home and ask them if you received the vaccine as a child. You can also call the UNI Student Health Clinic, which may have access to those records if they have been sent to the clinic or have been placed into Iowa's Immunization Registry Information System. Another option would be to send a message via the Patient Portal, found on the UNI Student Health Clinic website, asking if we have record of this vaccination being completed.
Preventing cancer is so much easier than treating it! Ready to receive the Gardasil 9 Vaccine? You may want to check with your insurance on where they want you to receive the vaccination. Some insurance policies require you to receive these with a designated provider. The way to check this would be to call the 1-800 number on the back of your insurance card and ask them if the vaccine would be covered and where they will allow you to receive it. If you are allowed to receive the vaccine at the UNI Student Health Clinic, call 319-273-2009 to schedule your appointment. Already vaccinated? It is still important to practice safer sex. Visit the Student Health Center lobby for free safer sex supplies. Get smart about HPV – receive the Gardasil 9 Vaccine today!