[NP-Clinical] Gardasil for men

[Kimberly Spering]

I have discussed this issue with both my Gardasil rep and several HPV conference speakers.  Currently, the vaccine is in additional trials with young men, as well as women over 26, but my understanding is that this research focuses on "heterosexual" transmission at this time.  I have talked with a few patients about vaccination of their boys and a few others about their interest in the vaccine for Gay men.  I am not aware of any TRIALS in the latter group, although it makes sense that the vaccine would decrease these cancers in men as well as women.

I am not one to prescribe off-label, and I would be concerned about how effective the vaccine would be in other populations until it was studied.  I've mentioned previously that we cannot even tell how long the effectiveness will last (or if/when a booster will be needed) in young women...and that information will continue to be gathered.

I do think that it is an important issue worth investigating, however.  Anything to prevent these issues would be a good thing.

Kim Spering
OB-GYN
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Malanf at aol.com 
  To: np-clinical at nurse.net 
  Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 1:48 PM
  Subject: **SPAM: [NP-Clinical] Gardasil for men


  In the public press both Gay ( New HPV vaccine hoped to benefit men -- Queer Lesbian Gay News -- Gay.com )and straight there has been articles about giving Gardasil to men. In England the NIH is suggesting that Gardasil be given to young females and also young boys  ( BBC NEWS | Health | Gay men seek 'female cancer' jab ). To prevent HPV of course. But in the Gay literature there has been more and more discussion about Gay men getting Gardasil (New HPV vaccine may help gay men -- Queer Lesbian Gay News -- Gay.com ). The reason cited for this is to prevent HPV a common cause of rectal cancer in men who have sex with men.  This is off label I know but have any of you been approached by patients with the idea of vaccination young boys or Gay men? 
  thanks
  M. Folts APRN. BC
  Family Nurse Practitioner

  Devoted to Providing Primary Health Care for a Diverse Population 
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