PPSCNY Applauds FDA Approval of HPV Vaccine
In June 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gardasil, the first
vaccine against two types of human papilloma virus (HPV) that cause about 70% of cervical
cancer cases. PPSCNY’s health centers provided more than 12,000 cervical Pap tests and
other cancer screenings in 2006.
"This is a huge step forward for women’s health. Prevention is the key to good health, and this vaccine will give future generations the promise of health, safety and peace of mind,” said Diane Georgeson, M.D., Medical Director of PPSCNY. "Now we must move forward to educate the public about the vaccine and ensure it is available to everyone, regardless of income."
"The HPV vaccine is a public health breakthrough" Dr. Georgeson said. "On behalf of the thousands of women who Planned Parenthood serves every year in Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties, we thank the FDA for this decision which will unquestionably save lives."
Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Each year approximately 10,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the United States, and 4,000 American women die from the disease.
PPSCNY hopes to offer Gardasil to our patients within a year. In the meantime, we refer them to their County Health Departments for the vaccine.