Forty students were scheduled to receive free, on-campus GARDASIL vaccinations Wednesday as part of a test-run clinic provided by the Office of Wellness and Prevention.
“This was a cancer preventative initiative,” said Jeanne DiMuzio, director of Wellness and Prevention.
GARDASIL is a vaccine that protects against four strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which cause most cervical cancers and genital warts, according to the WebMD Web site.
“This was a limited test run to start the buzz around campus,” said DiMuzio. “We’re really excited about the response. It was overwhelming.”
An e-mail was sent to the students via StagWeb on Monday afternoon, informing students about the opportunity for females to make an appointment to receive the vaccine. DiMuzio said that all 40 spots were filled by 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
The vaccine was offered by the Health and Wellness Center in conjunction with the Weston-Westport Health Clinic. The University has previously worked with the clinic to provide on-campus HIV testing.
Because of the positive response from this test run, the Office of Wellness and Prevention will work to expand its partnership with the Weston-Westport Health Clinic in order to provide more vaccinations.
In addition to provding the GARDASIL vaccination, the Health and Wellness Center takes the extra step to educate patients and follow up with them.
DiMuzio said she plans to work with Residence Life assistants and the on-campus club, Colleges Against Cancer, about spreading awareness about the vaccine.
The GARDASIL vaccine receieved FDA approval less than a year ago but has since garenered much attention.
DiMuzio echoed this enthusiasm.
“It really is an earth-shattering break through,” she said.
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