What is Gardasil 9?
The human papillomavirus is a sexually transmissible disease that can lead to genital lesions. HPV may also cause anal carcinoma as well as cancers in the cervix or vagina. The HPV 9-valent vaccination is given to children and adults aged 9–45 years old in order to prevent certain types of HPV from causing genital warts or cancers. This vaccine can be given to you even if your genital warts have been present for some time or if there has been a previous positive HPV test. This vaccine does not treat active warts on the genital area or HPV-related tumors. It will also not cure HPV. The HPV 9-valent vaccination prevents only diseases caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. This vaccine will not protect against diseases caused by any other HPV types. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend HPV vaccination for boys and girls aged 11 and 12 years. The vaccine is recommended for teenage girls and boys who haven't received the HPV vaccine yet or haven't completed their booster shots. The HPV 9-valent vaccination may not protect everyone from disease. The HPV 9-valent vaccination may be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Gardasil 9
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. Keep track of all side effects that you experience after receiving the vaccine. You will need to inform your doctor of any side effects you experience after receiving the first dose. After receiving this vaccination, you may feel faint. Some individuals have experienced seizures after receiving the vaccine. You may be asked to stay under observation for the first 15 minutes following the injection. The vaccine is more effective at protecting you against HPV than the development of cancer. This vaccine, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the risks of serious side effects are extremely low.
Gardasil 9 side effects may include:
- Pain, swelling, redness, itching, bruising, and bleeding
- nausea diarrhea;
- headache;
- fever;
- sore throat
- dizziness;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Similar/related drugs
human papillomavirus vaccine, Cervarix
Warnings
If you had a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then you should not get a booster shot. You may feel faint for the first 15 minutes following this vaccination. This vaccine has caused seizures in some people.
Before you take this drug
If you had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening after your first injection, then a booster shot is not recommended. If you have a fever, this vaccine may not be available to you. The HPV 9-valent vaccination does not protect against sexually transmissible diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea. It also doesn't protect against HIV, syphilis, or trichomonasis.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- An allergic reaction to polysorbate 80 or other vaccines
- A weak immune system, caused by diseases such as HIV and cancer;
- Treatment with steroids, cancer medicines, or other drugs can lower your immune system.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to track the effects the HPV 9-valent vaccination has on the child.
How to take Gardasil 9?
The HPV 9-valent vaccination is administered as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm, thigh, or leg. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. The HPV 9-valent vaccination is administered in two or three shots. The first shot can be given at any age between 9 and 45. The second shot is administered 2–12 months after the first. Six months after the first shot, a third dose can be administered. If you do not receive the full recommended dose of this vaccine, your protection against disease may be compromised. The HPV 9-valent vaccination should not replace a pelvic exam, pap smear, anal, or head and neck exam for screening cervical, head, and neck cancer.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are behind on your booster doses or have missed one, contact your doctor. The next dose should be administered as soon as you can. There is no need to start again.
What happens if I overdose?
It is very unlikely that this vaccine will cause an overdose.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
You can get more information from your vaccination provider, doctor, or pharmacist. You can get more information from your local department of health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
