ATLANTA (AP) - A new report contends that an expensive vaccine
aimed at preventing cervical cancer makes sense for young teens
when it comes to cost-effectiveness, but not for women in their
20s.

The vaccine against the HPV virus was licensed in 2006 for use
in girls and women ages 9 to 26. Health officials recommend it for
girls at age 11 or 12, and some doctors offer it to women in their
20s.

The government-funded study by two researchers at Harvard School
of Public Health found the vaccine is very cost-effective when
given to girls at age 12, but raised questions about its value with
adults.

The findings are published in tomorrow's New England Journal of
Medicine.

The drug, Gardasil, is given in three doses over six months and
costs about $375.

The Food and Drug Administration has denied a request by Merck &
Co. to market the vaccine to women ages 27 to 45.