A Vaccine to Prevent Cancer — HPV Vaccine

This vaccine, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, is recommended for boys and girls of middle school age, before they are even exposed to the virus. Here’s why.

HPV causes common genital infections and is transmitted through sexual contact. More than 80 percent of sexually active individuals will be infected with at least one type of HPV in their lives. A person who has had only one partner can get an HPV infection.

Most HPV infections go away within one to two years and do not cause cancer. Some people don’t even realize they are infected. However, some HPV infections can lead to certain types of cancer.

The HPV vaccine is very effective in preventing HPV infections when given before a person is exposed to the virus. This means it should be given before a person is sexually active.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that both boys and girls get the vaccine during the same visit as their tetanus and meningitis shots.

The vaccine is given in a three-shot series and is recommended to begin at age 11 or 12 years, although it can be given to children as young as 9 years of age. Both men and women who have not been vaccinated can receive the HPV vaccine until age 26 years.

Like other vaccines, the HPV vaccine is covered under your medical plan. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about the HPV vaccine.

FDA Expands Age Indication for GARDASIL®9

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved an expanded age indication for GARDASIL9® (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant). This vaccine is now approved for use in appropriate patients ages 9 through 45 years to help protect against certain HPV-related cancers and diseases. The previous indication for GARDASIL9 was for ages 9 through 26 years.

Based on this recent FDA approval, CPT® code 90651 included on claims for services provided on and after October 5, 2018 to eligible Horizon BCBSNJ patients age 27 through 45 years will be considered for reimbursement.

GARDASIL®9 is a vaccine indicated in:

Females 9 through 45 years of age for the prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58; precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58; and genital warts caused by HPV Types 6 and 11.
Males 9 through 45 years of age for the prevention of anal cancer caused by HPV Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58; precancerous or dysplastic lesions caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58; and genital warts caused by HPV Types 6 and 11.

Need help?

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Protect Your Health

A Vaccine to Prevent Cancer — HPV Vaccine

Who should get the HPV vaccine?