What Is the Gardasil Vaccine?
Gardasil is a cervical cancer vaccine. It guards against four types of human papillomavirus (HPV), two of which cause the majority of cervical cancer cases. The other two types of HPV Gardasil protects against genital warts. Gardasil does not contain any live virus material, so there is no risk of getting HPV from the vaccine.
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Warning
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It is still possible to get cervical cancer after being vaccinated with Gardasil, as Gardasil does not protect against all types of HPV.
Age
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Gardasil is recommended for females as young as 9 years old or before a girl is sexually active, because it is most effective before any exposure to HPV has taken place. However, it can still be given to sexually active females.
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Injection Schedule
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Gardasil is given in a series of three injections. The first dose can be any time you prefer, followed by a second dose 2 months after the first and a third dose 6 months after the first dose.
Side Effects
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The most common side effects reported are pain, swelling, itching or bruising at the injection site, fainting, vomiting, nausea, fever, dizziness and headache. Possible allergies to the contents of the Gardasil vaccine, including yeast, should be discussed with your doctor.
Routine Prevention
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It is important to continue to get regularly scheduled Pap tests. Gardasil does not replace these screenings. It's also important to continue to guard yourself against sexually transmitted diseases by using a condom.
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