Columbia University Health Services

On June 8, 2006 , the FDA approved the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine Gardasil.

Studies have shown that the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing infection with the 4 strains of the virus targeted by this vaccine. Those strains are HPV types 6 and 11, which cause most external genital warts, and types 16 and 18, which cause most cases of cervical cancer.

The vaccine is approved for use in girls and women ages 9-26 years. Ideally it should be given prior to any sexual activity which may expose a woman to HPV. It is recommended for sexually active women, even if they have a history of abnormal Pap smears and treatment. They can benefit from the vaccine because they may not have been exposed to any or all of the preventable strains. The vaccine is not a treatment for a current infection. 

Gardasil is given as a series of 3 injections over a 6 month period. The first dose is administered at a date that you and your healthcare provider choose, the second dose is administered 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose is administered 6 months after the first dose.

The Gardasil vaccine is available to students at Primary Care Medical Services for a fee of $130.00 per injection. Students who wish to have the Gardasil vaccine administered at PCMS or would like to discuss the vaccine further with their primary care physician can make an appointment.

Note: Vaccine fees may be paid by cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard. Vaccine expenses are generally not covered by medical insurance benefits. Information about coverage of these expenses can be obtained by calling the insurance carrier’s customer service section.

For more information, please visit

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices