What is GARDASIL 9?
GARDASIL 9 is a vaccine indicated in males and females 9 through 26 years of age for the prevention of cancers caused by certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
There are 9 types of HPV that can cause cancer and other diseases. HPV affects an estimated 79 million Americans. Most people clear the virus naturally. However, those who don't are at risk of certain cancers later in life. There is no way to determine which in which people HPV will resolve and in which it will not. GARDASIL 9 is the only vaccine that helps protect people from this risk. This vaccine, administered to patients aged 9 to 45, can help reduce the risk of the following:
In Girls and Women
- Cervical cancer
- Vulvar and vaginal cancers
- Anal cancer
- Certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers
- Genital warts
In Boys and Men
- Anal cancer
- Certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers
- Genital warts
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE MERCK WEBSITE AT: https://www.merckvaccines.com/Products/Gardasil9
Vaccines work to guard against viral infections. The GARDASIL HPV vaccine works by stimulating the body to produce specific antibodies that bind to the human papilloma virus so it cannot infect cells. It is made with virus-like particles that are formed by components of the HPV surface. Virus-like particles do not contain the DNA of the virus so are not infectious. However, they resemble the natural virus closely enough to stimulate a high level of antibody production. In the event that the HPV virus enters the body, its spread to cells is prevented by the natural action of the antibodies created by the vaccine.
The team at Premier OB-GYN in Bradenton is here to help patients protect their health at every age. For pre-teens, teens, and adults, part of this protection comes from getting necessary vaccines. The Gardasil® vaccine can protect young people from the human papillomavirus, a common infection that can create significant risks to future health. The HPV vaccine has been studied for well over a decade. Clinical research has proven that it can reduce the risk of cancer and other health complications. Since doctors first began administering the Gardasil 9 vaccine, cervical precancer in vaccinated women has dropped by 40%. If you or your child have not yet received the Gardasil vaccine, contact us for your appointment today.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for GARDASIL 9?
The Gardasil vaccine is recommended for adolescent boys and girls aged 11 to 12 but can be given to teens and adults up to age 26. Recently, the guidelines for the vaccine have changed to provide adults older than 26 and up to age 45 the opportunity to receive the vaccine if they so choose. This decision should be made carefully with input from a trusted physician. Most healthy people are good candidates for the Gardasil vaccine. While not recommended for pregnant women, Gardasil can be given to women who are breastfeeding. People with severe allergies should talk to their doctor about the potential risks versus the benefits of the Gardasil vaccine for their unique situation. In some cases, the doctor may determine that it is best to postpone this vaccine to a later date.
Are There Any Risks Associated with GARDASIL 9?
The HPV vaccine is considered very safe and effective at preventing some HPV-related infections and illnesses. As a type of medicine, any vaccine can incur side effects. Keep in mind that side effects are not the same thing as risks for major complications. Very few serious events have occurred after the Gardasil vaccine. Most often, patients experience minor side effects such as swelling, redness, and soreness in the arm where the injection was given. Some people feel tired or nauseous after their vaccine. There is also a chance of getting a fever, headache, or developing muscle or joint pain. These side effects resolve without intervention and may be managed with rest and home remedies as needed.
Will I Still Be Able to Get Gardasil 9 if I Already Contracted HPV?
Your doctor may advise you to get the Gardasil 9 vaccine even if you have already had HPV. There are dozens of different types of HPV, some cause no noticeable symptoms, some can cause genital warts, and some may lead to cancer. Even patients who have had HPV-related genital warts can receive the Gardasil 9 vaccine to protect themselves from the other types of HPV that may occur.
Am I Still Eligible for the Gardasil 9 Vaccine if I Am Older than 26?
Historically, the Gardasil 9 vaccine was recommended primarily for teens and young adults up to the age of 26 (for females, age 21 for males). As additional research data has been accumulated, the CDC has expanded its guidelines to include adults up to the age of 45. If you are older than 26 and have not received the Gardasil 9 vaccine, talk to your doctor about its merit in your case.
Will I Require Any Recovery Time After Getting the GARDASIL 9 Vaccine?
Patients can return to normal activities immediately after getting the Gardasil 9 vaccine. Side effects are generally very mild and do not interfere with work, school, or other engagements. If necessary, over-the-counter medication may be taken to alleviate minor soreness, headache, or nausea.
How to Prepare for GARDASIL 9 Vaccine?
Health organizations recommend GARDASIL 9 for adolescents aged 11 to 12. It is at this age when the risk for certain HPV-related cancers may seem a distant concept, but may be more relevant than imagined. Human Papilloma virus isn't passed only through sexual intercourse but also through the sexual experimentation that may be common years before one engages in intercourse. HPV can be passed on without anyone's knowledge and if the person cannot clear the virus, they live with the risk of certain cancers throughout their lifetime.
The GARDASIL 9 vaccine is administered in the muscle of the upper, outer arm. It may be given in a 2 or 3-dose schedule, depending on the age of the patient. The appropriate dosing schedule will be determined by the parent’s health care provider.
Most people can benefit from the GARDASIL 9 vaccine, even if they are already sexually active. The vaccine should NOT be given to patients who have had an allergic reaction to a previous GARDASIL vaccine or to yeast, amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate , or Polysorbate 80. Doctors conduct a thorough health history to help parents decide if their child should receive the GARDASIL 9 HPV vaccine. During the consultation, parents or patients should inform their doctor if the patient has cancer, immune problems such as an autoimmune disorder, has a fever over 100°F, or takes medication that could affect the immune system.
How Does the GARDASIL 9 Vaccine Work?
Health organizations recommend GARDASIL 9 for adolescents aged 11 to 12. It is at this age when the risk for certain HPV-related cancers may seem a distant concept, but may be more relevant than imagined. Human Papillomavirus isn't passed only through sexual intercourse but also through the sexual experimentation that may be common years before one engages in intercourse. The HPV virus can be passed on without anyone's knowledge and, if the person cannot clear the virus, they live with the risk of certain cancers throughout their lifetime.
The GARDASIL 9 vaccine is administered in the muscle of the upper, outer arm. It may be given in a 2 or 3-dose schedule, depending on the age of the patient. The appropriate dosing schedule will be determined by the child’s health care provider.
Most people can benefit from the GARDASIL 9 vaccine, even if they are already sexually active. The vaccine should NOT be given to patients who have had an allergic reaction to a previous GARDASIL vaccine or to yeast, amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate , or Polysorbate 80. Doctors conduct a thorough health history to help parents decide if their child should receive the GARDASIL 9 HPV vaccine. During the consultation, parents or patients should inform their doctor if the patient has cancer, immune problems such as an autoimmune disorder, has a fever over 100°F, or takes medication that could affect the immune system.
How Does the GARDASIL 9 Vaccine Work?
When you visit your doctor to get the GARDASIL 9 vaccine for yourself or your child, it is important to discuss health history and current medications. This will help the doctor determine if the vaccine is appropriate and safe. Because medical treatments, including vaccines, cause some patients to faint, it is recommended that patients have a small, healthy meal before arriving for their appointment.
Studies of the effects of the GARDASIL vaccine were a requirement for FDA approval. During clinical trials, the vaccine was administered to males and females. In both groups, the most common side effects included temporary bruising, itching, pain, redness, swelling, minor bleeding, and a small lump at the injection site in the upper arm. Some patients developed headaches, nausea, fever, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or sore throat. Fainting is also a possible side effect. For this reason, the patient may be advised to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after receiving their vaccine.
Clinical trials indicate that HPV vaccines are very effective in preventing infection from the targeted types of HPV, especially when given before exposure to the natural virus (before a patient becomes sexually active). While previous studies showed the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent HPV infection, newer ones demonstrate the power of these vaccines to reduce the risk of long-term outcomes such as infection or cancer in the tissue that HPV typically infects, including the oral and anal regions. In clinical trials, the GARDASIL 9 vaccine was found to be nearly 100 percent effective in the prevention of cervical, vaginal, and vulvar infections and precancers caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
* GARDASIL 9 may not fully protect everyone, nor will it protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV.
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