HPV vaccine clinic scheduled for students

There’s no shortage of commercials and advertisements warning young women today that when undetected, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can be a lethal foe.

But with a new vaccine out on the market, the Student Health Center at Pittsburg State University, along with the Community Health Clinic of Southeast Kansas, are offering a dose of prevention to students.

On Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the PSU Student Health Center will offer the first of three HPV vaccinations to female students at health stations set up just outside the Gorilla Bookstore in the Overman Student Center. Women under the age of 26 are eligible for the vaccine for a fee of $135, and women under 19 will receive the vaccine free of charge. A counselor will be available for women interested in financial assistance. The vaccine, marketed under the name “Gardisil,” is covered by some insurance companies.

“It really has to do with cervical cancer prevention,” said Susan Eckelberry, a registered nurse with the Student Health Center. “We want students to know we have this vaccine that could potentially be a lifesaver.”

The vaccine has been shown to prevent several different strains of high-risk HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer and genital warts. The second vaccine in the three-part series will be offered to students on Nov. 13. The final dose will be available in February.

For more information about the vaccine or to schedule an appointment with the Student Health Center, call 620-235-4450.

---Pitt State---