By KELLY WILSON

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- During Cervical Health Awareness Month, Hannibal Clinic Health Services is encouraging women to protect themselves against cervical cancer by getting regular Pap tests and the HPV vaccine.

An HPV vaccination drive for women ages 9 to 26 will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Hannibal Clinic.

HPV stands for human papillomavirus, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine HPV vaccination for 11- to 12-year-old girls and for 13- to 26-year-olds who have not yet received the vaccine.

Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, is covered by the Vaccines for Children program, Medicaid and many private insurance carriers. For those who don't have coverage, the vaccine is available at no charge for a limited time at Hannibal Clinic locations through a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health.

The free vaccination is not based on income. To be eligible, a patient must meet one of the following criteria:

* Have insurance that does not cover the vaccine.

* Have insurance with a high deductible.

* Be underinsured (large out of pocket expense).

* Have no insurance.

For information about the vaccine drive, contact Lisa Hudnall at (573) 231-3292. Parents or legal guardians need to be present for women under the age of 18.

Gardasil will not prevent all types of HPV infections that could lead to cancer, so it is still important for women to get regular Pap tests even if they have been vaccinated.

Pap tests can detect the presence of abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer. A woman should have her first Pap smear by age 21, or three years after the onset of sexual activity.

In addition to the Pap test, health-care providers may also recommend an HPV test for women over age 30 or who have a borderline abnormal Pap test.

Women who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover Pap tests may qualify for Missouri's Show Me Healthy Women program.

The program provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings to eligible Missouri residents and women who are not U.S. citizens but live in Missouri. There are two Show Me Healthy Women providers in the area -- Hannibal Clinic and NECAC Family Planning Center.

Show Me Healthy Women also covers diagnostic evaluation for abnormal mammograms and abnormal Pap smears. If a result shows cancer or precancerous tissue, women automatically qualify for temporary Medicaid that will cover all their treatments. Treatments must be performed at a Show Me Healthy Women provider location.

-- kwilson@whig.com/221-3391