What Is Gardasil Used for?
Gardasil is the brand-name for the only HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine currently available. The vaccine prevents four types, or strains, of HPV. HPV is a virus that comes in many forms; it is sometimes sexually transmitted, but not always. Some strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer, and other strains can cause genital warts. Some strains cause other conditions like plantar warts. The four strains of HPV that Gardasil prevents are responsible for causing the majority of cervical cancer and genital warts cases.
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Recommendations
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The vaccine is recommended for girls ages 11 and 12. This is because the vaccine is most effective before a woman becomes sexually active and is exposed to HPV. However, the vaccine can be given to any woman between the ages of 9 and 26.
HPV Infection
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Because Gardasil is a vaccine and not a treatment, it will not cure an HPV infection if you already have one. But you may still get the vaccine even if you already have HPV because the vaccine can prevent against the other strains of HPV. You cannot get HPV from the vaccine.
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Pap Test
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Even women who have gotten the Gardasil vaccine should receive regular pap tests as recommended by their doctors.
Time Frame
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The vaccine is given as a series of three injections, the second injection being two months after the first, the third coming six months after the first. Many insurance companies cover the vaccine. You may also be able to find a clinic that offers the vaccine on a sliding fee scale.
Risk
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All vaccines have the risk of allergic reaction, but this is rare. Some people also experience side effects like swelling and redness at the injection site, which go away over time.
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