Index of Medical Topics

GARDASIL

Gardasil is a vaccine that helps protect against the following diseases caused by certain Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types:  cervical cancer (cancer of the lower end of the uterus or womb), anal cancer, some oral cancers, abnormal and precancerous cervical, vaginal and vulvar lesions and genital warts. Gardasil helps prevent these diseases – but it will not treat them.

HPV is a common virus. In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 20 million people in the United States had this virus. There are many different types of HPV; some cause no harm. Others can cause diseases of the genital area. For most people the virus goes away on its own. When the virus does not go away it can develop into cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, some oral cancers, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type.

In 2005, the CDC estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV during their lifetime. A male or female of any age who takes part in any kind of sexual activity that involves genital contact is at risk. Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. This means that they can transmit the virus to others and not know it.

Cancer of the cervix is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. This disease is caused by certain HPV types that can cause the cells in the lining of the cervix to change from normal to precancerous lesions. If these are not treated, they can turn cancerous.

Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV. They often appear as skin-colored growths. They are found on the inside or outside of the genitals. They can hurt, itch, bleed, and cause discomfort. These lesions are usually not precancerous. Sometimes, it takes multiple treatments to eliminate these lesions.

Vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. Females who receive Gardasil should continue cervical cancer screening.

As with all vaccines, Gardasil may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine. Gardasil will not protect against diseases due to non-vaccine HPV types. There are more than 100 HPV types; Gardasil 4 helped protect against 4 types (6, 11, 16, and 18). These 4 types had been selected for Gardasil because they cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. There is now a newer vaccine, Gardasil 9, which protects against 5 additional strains. This vaccine will not protect you against HPV types to which you may have already been exposed.  Gardasil works best when given before any contact with these types of HPV.

Gardasil is approved for females and males, 9 through 26 years of age, but is currently recommended for ages 11-26. It is given as a series of 2 or 3 injections; for the 2-dose series (if started before 15 years of age), the second dose is 6 months after the first and for the 3-dose series (for 15-26 year olds), the second is 2 months after the first and the 3^rd is 6 months after the first.

The side effects, if any, are pain, swelling, itching and redness at the injection site and fever.

If you are interested in having your daughter or son receive this vaccine, please contact our office so that we may order it for you. It will also be offered to your child at their yearly physical if due for it.