where can a man over 26 get the Gardasil vaccine in West Tx

[D_Friday]

So I'm interested in getting the Gardasil vaccine (particularly the new Gardasil-9 which covers 9 HPV types instead of just the 4 of the original).

(The rest of y'all, boys and girls alike, should be getting it too, but please don't turn this thread into a debate over the merits, or lack thereof, of the Gardasil vaccine, OK?)

The FDA recommended Gardasil for males and females between the ages of 11 and 26. The reasons behind the upper age limit mostly have to do with public health, cost benefit analysis, and statistics, in that they figure those over 26 are likely to have already been exposed. I.e. vaccinating those over 26 may not make sense from a national health policy standpoint. That said, I'm not afraid of vaccines, and I figure inoculating myself against 4 or, even better, 9 of the most common HPV types is a good idea for me.

The problem is being able to find someone who will give me the shot, since I'm a man over 26.

I called South Park pharmacy in Ama (a good place to get your shots, otherwise) and had a long and disappointing but otherwise pleasant telephone conversation with their vaccination person. Yes, they have Gardasil (but not yet Gardasil-9). No they won't give it to a man over 26. I went round and round with the guy. Explained that I would be paying cash, didn't need or want approval from my insurance, and I even, in desperation, hinted that he could expect a "bonus" if he could help me out. Lol. Nope. No they're not gonna do it.

BTW, I'm changing primary care physicians soon, and will ask the new one about this. I didn't feel comfortable asking the old one.

Until then, anybody know a pharmacy or clinic in Amarillo or Lubbock that will give Gardasil to a man over 26?

[greaton]

I would contact a physician first and explain your concerns.

[CryptKicker]

This is more appropriate in the sandbox-- and folks tread softly on this topic

[Phrasing]

I agree with the primary care doc visit. Just get your annual health exam and ask about it. Find a doc in the box if you want privacy. I have a great one in Lubbock, I don't think they care how they treat.

[jakstein]

Most PCP are willing to give the vaccination for high risk patients. Most clinics stock it. The guidelines states that 26 is the cut off age that is because most people that are going to get it before 26.

[Texanbychoice]

Make friends with a doctor. Bingo.

[oldpun]

Originally Posted by Texanbychoice

Make friends with a doctor. Bingo.

Good luck with that, I married one and my level of healthcare went way down.

I don't think you will find a reputable provider to give shots as the efficacy goes down so much after about the age of 20 or so, 26 was chosen as the extreme high side.

[glade55]

Mexico lol

[jakstein]

The level of effect does not really go down. You will still develop the protective immune response. 26 was chosen that most people who are going to contract HPV will get it before 26. Some OB/Gyn will vaccinate people who have an abnormal pap smear. The current guidelines recommend it in both boys and girls upto age of 26. In men HPV causes warts and esophageal cancer. Above the same number of men died each year from esophageal cancer as women who die from cervical cancer.

You do not need to make friends with a doctor, if you risk factors, then it is reasonable to get it and since you are willing to pay cash, then it is not an issue. HPV vaccinate in the US is about 100 dollars per dose, 300 in total. Cost of injection depending on physician can be 30 to 50 dollars. Establish care with a PCP and say that you want to get it.