Gardasil, the world’s first and only cervical cancer vaccine is now available in the market. Australian Prof. Ian Frazer who developed this anti-cancer vaccine initiated its use last Monday in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia where he administered first dose of the vaccine to a group of young Australian women. The said vaccine is available and recommended for girls aged 9-26 on prescription from a GP.

Parents are eager to have their daughters vaccinated but are disappointed with the vaccine’s price—3 doses required over 6 months cost about $460.

The vaccine, however, is proven to be 100% effective in giving life-long protection to women against 4 types of sexually transmitted HPV (human papilloma virus), a major risk factor for cervical cancer and genital warts. Scientists recommend that the vaccine must be given to girls before they become sexually active in order for it to be fully effective.

In UK, more than 3000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer yearly and most of the cases are caused by HPV infection. In the US, about 3,700 of 9,710 women diagnosed with cervical cancer die every year because of HPV infection. With this new vaccine, it is hoped that cervical cancer deaths among women will be significantly reduced.