Merck said that inclusion of the vaccine in the health care program would make it more accessible. Gardasil was approved on June 8 by the FDA for use in girls and women ages 9 to 26 years. Gardasil is the world’s first and only vaccine available for the prevention of cervical cancer.
The program is government subsidized and covers uninsured or poor schoolchildren up to age 18.
Merck has also initiated a new patient assistance program for vaccines. Through this new program, currently available in private physicians’ offices, Merck is making available, free of charge, Gardasil and other Merck vaccines indicated for use in individuals aged 19 and older who are uninsured and who are unable to afford vaccines.
Health insurers covering approximately 94% of privately insured lives in the US have decided to reimburse Gardasil. Many lives not covered by Managed Care will now be covered under the Vaccines for Children program.
At the June 2006 meeting of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, the committee voted unanimously to recommend Gardasil to the program.