GARDASIL

What is GARDASIL?
GARDASIL is a cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. The duration of protection of GARDASIL has not been established. GARDASIL is given in 3 doses over 6 months.

Who should be vaccinated with GARDASIL?
GARDASIL is for girls and young women ages 9 to 26. Vaccination is recommended for girls as young as 9 because GARDASIL works when given before there is any contact with HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18.

If you're already sexually active, you may still benefit from GARDASIL. That's because even if you have been exposed to HPV, it's unlikely that you have been exposed to all the types of the virus covered by this cervical cancer vaccine. That means GARDASIL could still help guard you against HPV types you haven't been exposed to.

What are the possible GARDASIL side effects?
The most common GARDASIL side effects are: pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site

• headache
• fever
• nausea
• dizziness
• vomiting
• fainting
• Sometimes fainting is accompanied by falling with injury, as well as shaking or stiffening and other seizure-like activity.

Tell your health care professional if you have any of the following problems because these may be signs of an allergic reaction:

• difficulty breathing
• wheezing (bronchospasm)
• hives
• rash
• Tell your health care professional if you have:
• swollen glands (neck, armpit, or groin)
• joint pain
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• generally feeling unwell
• leg pain
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• aching muscles
• muscle weakness
• seizure
• bad stomach ache

Who should not get GARDASIL?
You should not get GARDASIL if you have, or have had: an allergic reaction after getting a dose of GARDASIL.
a severe allergic reaction to yeast, amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, polysorbate 80.
 

Tell your health care provider if you:

• are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. GARDASIL is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
• have immune problems, like HIV infection, cancer, or you take medicines that affect your immune system.
• have a fever over 100°F (37.8°C).
• had an allergic reaction to another dose of GARDASIL.

Your doctor or health care professional will help you decide if you should get the vaccine.