HPV Vaccine Program Results In Fewer Genital Warts
Australia--
Researchers in Australia have reported that new cases of genital warts have declined significantly since vaccination of teen girls and young women against HPV (human papillomavirus) began in Australia in 2007.
After analyzing data on new clients receiving treatment for genital warts at the Melbourne Sexual Health Center between 2004-2008, during which time the center had 36,055 clients 10.6 percent of which were diagnosed with genital warts, they noticed that women under the age of 28 who were newly diagnosed with genital warts, generally decreased by 25% each quarter through 2008.
Australia began providing free vaccinations with Gardasil for females between 12 and 26 years of age in 2007. Before the vaccinations began, new cases of genital warts rose by almost 2% each quarter.
The study also found that newly diagnosed cases of genital warts among young men fell by average of 5% each quarter during 2008, while newly diagnosed cases among older women and men did not decline.
Gardisil protects against HPV types 6,11,16 and 18. Types 6 & 11 are associated with highly infectioys genital warts, and types 16 & 18 are usually associated with cervical cancer.
