Cervical Cancer Shots for Women in Their 20s Questioned

A new report questions the cost-effectiveness of a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer when used in women in their 20s. The vaccine works against the human papilloma virus. It costs about $375. Because the virus spreads through sex, health officials say it works best when given to girls ages 11 to 12, before they begin having sex. Some doctors offer the shot to women in their 20s. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health conducted the study. The report was published August 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine.