Gardasil is a vaccine that is FDA approved for both boys and girls, ages 9-26 to protect against four strains of human papillomavirus (HPV 6,11,16,18). HPV is the virus that causes both genital warts in boys and girls and cervical cancer (as well as some types of vaginal and vulvar cancer) in girls. Although the vaccine does not protect against all strains of HPV, two of the strains that it does protect against cause about 75% of cervical cancer, and the other two strains it protects against cause about 90% of genital warts cases. Gardasil will not protect or treat any strain of HPV that a patient has already been exposed to, so it is important to complete the series prior to sexual exposure to gain full benefit of the vaccine. However, if one has already been diagnosed with HPV, it is still helpful to complete the series, as one can protect him/herself from any of the four remaining HPV strains with which one has not been exposed.
How is the vaccine administered?
-the vaccine is given as a series of 3 injections. The second is given 2 months after the first and the third is given 4 months after the second
What do I do if I started the series but never completed it?
-Call your physician to determine when you should get your next dose
What are common side effects?
-Redness, pain, itching or swelling at the injection site, dizziness, fever, vomiting or fainting. As with any medication, allergic reactions can occur and should be brought to the physician’s attention immediately
Who should not get the Gardasil series?
-anyone who is pregnant
-anyone with a severe allergy to yeast or other components of Gardasil
Can I get HPV from the vaccine?
-No. Gardasil is not a live virus and therefore, cannot cause HPV when given.
Where can I get more information on Gardasil?
-Gardasil.com
-Your healthcare provider
-The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
**Remember, Gardasil is not a replacement for annual gynecologic exams in young women and adults.
