Gardasil Vaccine

Important Notice to All Female Members and Dependents

GARDASIL is a vaccine (3 doses as an injection/shot) that helps protect against the following diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types:

Cervical cancer (cancer of the lower end of the uterus or womb)
Abnormal and precancerous cervical lesions
Abnormal and precancerous vaginal lesions
Abnormal and precancerous vulvar lesions
Genital warts

GARDASIL helps prevent these diseases—but it will not treat them.

The Trustees noted that in general, vaccines and immunizations are covered only for patients up to the age of 18. However, in light of the indications of the effectiveness of GARDASIL and the benefits of helping to protect against HPV Types, the Trustees have broadened the rule to apply to all eligible female members and dependents through age 26. (NOTE: This does not mean that a dependent child is covered through age 26. Dependent children are eligible only to age 19, or, if a documented full-time student, to age 23.)

As with any other medical issue, it is important that you speak with your physician about GARDASIL before considering the vaccination. It is also important to note that:

Vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. Females who receive GARDASIL should continue cervical cancer screening.
As with all vaccines, GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine.
GARDASIL will not protect against diseases due to non-vaccine HPV types. There are more than 100 HPV types; GARDASIL helps protect against 4 types (6, 11,16, and 18). These 4 types have been selected for GARDASIL because they cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.
This vaccine will not protect against HPV types to which you may have already been exposed.
GARDASIL also will not protect against other diseases that are not caused by HPV.
GARDASIL works best when given before you or your child has any contact with certain types of HPV (i.e., HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18).

If you have any questions about this important benefit, please contact the Fund Office at 301-731-1050.