HPV Vaccination

[omly]

I was debating about posting about this, but I think I am going to totally take mizarchivist's lead here.

Yesterday I went in and had a tetanus booster done. While I was there I talked to the doctor, and they asked about the HPV vaccine. I am of the "proper" age group, and apparently my last pap was just before they were giving it out or they would have mentioned it then.

As someone who has had an abnormal pap in the past, I hadn't honestly considered myself a candidate. Damage already done right? Nope, the HPV vaccine protects against 4 different strains, so even if you have had an abnormal pap chances are they will help with 1-3 strains you haven't been exposed to. Just something to think about.

Having said that, I don't know that getting both shots in the same day was a terribly good idea. (Did you know that a tetanus shot isn't a vaccine? It is serum with tetanus antibodies.) I was cold, achy, deeply fatigued and running a slight fever. Plus for added fun I had an immediate skin reaction at the injection site for the HPV vaccine. Anyone else had this? But I am happy that I did it. Now I just need to schedule the other 2 does of the HPV shots.

Comments

[dani-namaste.livejournal.com]

What is the age limit for the vaccine?

[omly.livejournal.com]

You can get the vaccine if you are over 26, but insurance will not cover it.

Sympathy!

[first-clark.livejournal.com]

Get your aloe ready for injections two and three!

Re: Sympathy!

[omly.livejournal.com]

I have never heard of using aloe for such a thing, but I guess that would make sense.

[notanangel.livejournal.com]

You're younger than me?


the age limit ends at 25 or 26 doesnt it?

[omly.livejournal.com]

As I mentioned to Dani, insurance will not cover the cost ($150) if you are over 26. And yes I believe that am younger than you ;)

[mizarchivist]

Did you feel better today? I'm slated to be Very Busy tomorrow and I am not looking forward to being wobbly.
Also very much thanks for the intel that even if I've been exposed since my last pap (which was in July), it'll cover the others. I'll take that.

[omly.livejournal.com]

Other than some slight achiness at the tetanus shot site I seem to be fine, so I think the HPV vaccine had no symptoms today. Not even more fatigue than usual.

[sitcomgirl.livejournal.com]

I pondered getting it myself, but since i am over the age limit i am not sure about paying for it. Although my dr. said they are apparently waiting for approval on one that covers more strains and insurance will cover if you are older.
I think the criteria should not only be age but also how much exposure one has had. I am pretty certain there are teenagers who have had far more partners than I have, yet they can get vaccinated and I can't.