To My Patients, 

New HPV Vaccine for Prevention of Cervical Cancer:

An FDA panel recently unanimously approved Merck’s vaccine for certain strains of cervical cancer.  This could reduce the number of cervical cancers worldwide by 70% as well as reducing the 10,000 cases of cervical cancer in the United States.

Girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 years of age would be targeted.  While the vaccine is safe and without risks, it may provide protection for only five years.  Researchers are considering vaccinating boys as well who could contract this virus that can cause penile cancer.

The FDA will give its final recommendation by June 8^th and the vaccine could be available as early as the end of June.

Élan Med Spa News:

Recently, Dr. Birken gave a clinical workshop on skin laser treatments to physicians in Wichita, Kansas and has been training other physicians in the use of optical aesthetics.  Call Liz at 832-287-6647 for information regarding these safe and effective non-surgical treatments for facial rejuvenation, hair removal, and vein therapy.