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.  Recommendations for cervical cancer screening (Pap smears) will not change at this time.

It is our policy to defer stocking newly released vaccines for at least six months after widespread use in the general population. Though we are excited about the HPV vaccine and its potential to dramatically reduce the incidence of cervical cancer and external genital warts, we feel it is prudent to defer immediate availability and promotion.

Students who have already received the first dose of the vaccine, are not at risk of decreasing the efficacy of the vaccine by delaying the second dose. If you would like to discuss this further, you can make an appointment at Primary Care Medical Services (PCMS). Students who already have the HPV vaccine as prescribed by another clinician and would like it to be administered at PCMS, can also make an appointment.

For more information, please visit

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices