New Service Announcement!
The HPV vaccine is recommended for all children starting at age 9 – but this safe and effective cancer prevention may have been missed. KBFPC now offers HPV vaccination for clients age 18 and up, so this protection is available and affordable for clients who may not have completed the immunization as children.
Check your vaccine history at
https://health.alaska.gov/en/services/vaccination-records
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is a group of viruses transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. It is a very common infection, and most sexually active people will be exposed to some type of HPV during their lifetime.
There are over 100 different types of HPV. Many types do not cause any symptoms and will go away on their own. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Other types of HPV, known as “high-risk” strains, can lead to cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and throat. Approximately 49,900 HPV-associated cancers occurred in the United States each year from 2018 to 2022.
What can you do to prevent HPV?
There is a vaccine available (U.S. brand name Gardasil®) that protects against 9 strains of HPV which cause cancer and genital warts. When given on schedule, the HPV vaccine prevents 90% of HPV-related cancers and provides long-lasting protection.
Although it is most effective when given to children before being exposed to HPV through sexual activity, the vaccine is strongly recommended for people of any gender up to age 26. In some cases, the vaccine may provide protection up to age 45 – give us a call to see if this is a good option for you.
While the vaccine can prevent many strains of HPV, it is still important to use condoms to reduce the risk of transmission of all sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and to complete cervical screenings such as Pap/HPV tests on the schedule recommended by your provider.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
The vaccine is very safe and has been given to young people for over 20 years with no long-term side effects. In fact, 109 studies conducted among 2.5 million people in 6 countries have shown that there have been no serious side effects other than what is typical for all vaccines (i.e., allergic reactions, fainting). For more information on HPV and available vaccines, please visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA).
What does the HPV vaccine cost?
The vaccine should be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurances up to age 26, but can be expensive without insurance. Each dose may cost around $250 – with 3 doses needed for older teens and adults – plus an office visit fee. (Youth age 9-19 have access through Alaska’s child vaccination programs, with parental permission.) KBFPC’s sliding fee scale offers up to 100% discount, according to your income and family size.
Preventing cancer is better than treating it, so call the clinic to schedule your vaccine appointment today!
Read news coverage here: 
Family Planning Clinic Will Host Walk-In HPV Vaccine Clinic
This service expansion is made possible by funding from an Innovation Award in Community Health from Direct Relief and the Pfizer Foundation for KBFPC’s infectious disease prevention programs, and the State of Alaska Title X Family Planning program.
