Jessica Klinkenberg
Northern News Services
Friday, June 1, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - A vaccine that can protect women from the viruses that cause most forms of cervical cancer is available in the NWT, but at a hefty cost.

Dr. Andre Corriveau

Vaccination with Gardasil, the trade name for the vaccine, requires three doses, which cost a total of $430. The vaccine has been available since last fall, but the NWT has yet to decide whether to cover it under the territory's health care plan.

"It was licensed last September, but at this point it's still not publicly funded," said Dr. Andre Corriveau chief medical officer with the NWT department of Health and Social Services. "It's a very expensive vaccine."

In comparison, the flu vaccine costs the GNWT $2.30 per person. The most expensive vaccine that is covered under the territorial health plan is the meningitis vaccine, which costs $70 per person.

"The government now still needs to figure out if this is worth it," said Corriveau.

Dr. Bing Guthrie is with Stanton Territorial Hospital with obstetrics and gynecology.

She said that though the cost is high, the price is worth it.

"It's a very effective vaccine for HPV (human papilloma virus)."

She said that the vaccine protects against two forms of HPV that cause 70 per cent of cervical cancer.

"I have counselled 10 parents to recommend it to their children," she said.

The vaccine is recommended for women under 26, though she said that it's most effective before any sexual activity begins.

Corriveau said that the government has to decide to what age range to administer it, if it is publicly funded. He said that studies show the best age range may be nine to 13.

So far only two provinces in Canada have added the vaccine to their lists of funded immunizations.

Corriveau said he expects the government to decide whether to cover the cost of the vaccine or not by the fall.

Corriveau said the vaccine does not protect women from other sexually transmitted viruses.

"There's a whole communications strategy that needs to be launched with this vaccine," he said.

Guthrie said women interested in the vaccine should check with public health about receiving the immunization.

"This is my own personal bias, but I'd like to see it in the immunization program," Guthrie said.

She said the benefits are great.

"Hopefully we'll see fewer people coming in to see the gynecologist for pre-cancer changes," she said.