Islanders going on their own with Gardasil

Many Prince Edward Islanders aren't waiting for the provincial government to start paying forGardasil, a vaccine approved by Health Canada last year to help in the fight againstcervical cancer.

'They feel they can afford to get it and they would rather not wait.' — Neilla Auld, pharmacy board

The Department of Health would like Gardasil added to the vaccines covered by the province, butit hasbeen waiting for recommendations from two national committees on who should get it andat what age, and whether governments should cover the cost.

"So for instance, would we administer it in Grade 6, would we administer inGrade 5, would we administer in Grade 7?" said deputy chief health officer Mitch Zelman.

"Every province would make that individual decision unless there is a very firm recommendation from this special national committee."

Gardasil protects against human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted disease believed to be one of the leading causes of cervical cancer.

Vaccine is expensive

The vaccine is available to buy on P.E.I., and some Islanders have decided not to wait. They're already getting it from their pharmacists for their family doctors to administer.

"It's a personal choice, if they feel they can afford to get it and they would rather not wait," said Neilla Auld, registrar of the pharmacy board.

"From what I understand, it is ideally in the teens is when you want to catch them, before they become sexually active."

The vaccine is almost $500 for the three shots required. Auld says some people are paying themselves, while others have insurance to cover it.