TRICARE Covers HPV Vaccine Published March 21, 2007 By CiCi Cea TRIWEST HEALTHCARE ALLIANCE -- Human papillomavirus infection is a concern for girls and young women because it can lead to cervical cancer. A preventive vaccine is available, and that vaccine is now a TRICARE-covered benefit. About the HPV Vaccine The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the HPV vaccine for females 9 to 26 years of age to prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a three-dose schedule for the HPV vaccine with the second and third doses administered two and six months after the first dose. Routine vaccination for girls 11 to 12 years old is also recommended. Because the vaccine is new, it may not be available everywhere. Also, the new vaccine does not protect against every type of HPV infection and can't prevent all cervical cancers. It is still vitally important to get regular gynecological exams and pap smears. HPV and Cervical Cancer The CDC reported that in 2006, approximately 9,700 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in the United States, and approximately 3,700 women died from the disease. Cervical infection with HPV is the main risk for cervical cancer, as HPV can cause changes in the cervix. In fact, nearly all cervical cancer cases are associated with an HPV infection. TRICARE West Region beneficiaries interested in obtaining the HPV vaccine should contact their physician to find out if they administer the vaccine. Beneficiaries should visit TriWest online at www.triwest.com with questions regarding their TRICARE benefits, or contact TriWest Healthcare Alliance at 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378).