What is Gardasil 9 Vaccine?
Gardasil 9 is given to both males and females. Human papillomavirus can be transmitted sexually and cause warts on the genital area, cancer of the anal region, or various cancers in the vagina, vulva, or oropharynx. The Gardasil 9 vaccine is used in girls and women ages 9 through 45 years to prevent cervical, vaginal, and anal cancers or genital warts caused by certain types of HPV. Gardasil 9 is used to protect boys and men from anal cancers or genital warts that are caused by certain HPV types. Gardasil 9 can be given to you even if your genital warts have been present in the past or if a previous HPV test was positive or the pap smear is abnormal. This vaccine does not treat active warts on the genital area or HPV-related tumors. It will also not cure HPV.
Gardasil 9 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. Gardasil 9, like any other vaccine, may not protect everyone from illness.
Warnings
If you had a severe allergic reaction to the first Gardasil 9, then you should not get a booster shot. Gardasil 9 will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia. You may feel faint for the first 15 minutes following this vaccination. This vaccine has caused seizures in some people.
Similar/related drugs
human papillomavirus vaccine, Cervarix
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Gardasil 9 is safe for you:
- An allergy to polysorbate 80 or yeast;
- 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 that you are or will be pregnant. You may have to wait to complete the series of shots if you become pregnant before receiving all of the required doses. Your name could be added to a registry if you are pregnant in order to track the effect of the human papillomavirus vaccination on your baby. Breastfeeding while taking the human papillomavirus vaccination may not be recommended. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks. Gardasil 9 does not protect against sexually transmissible diseases like chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections such as herpes, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, or trichomoniasis.
How to take Gardasil 9 Vaccine?
Gardasil 9 is administered as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm or thigh. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Gardasil 9 is administered in two or three doses. The first dose can be given at any age between 9 and 45. The second shot is administered 2 to 6 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. Gardasil 9 should not replace a pelvic exam or Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, or anal cancer.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for human papillomavirus prophylaxis:
If you are between 15 and 45, you should receive 0.5 mL intramuscularly at 0, 2, and 6 months.
The usual pediatric dose for human papillomavirus prophylaxis
Aged 9–14 years: 0.5 mL IM at 0, 2, 6 months, or 0.5 mL IM at 0 with a second dose 6–12 months later.
Uses: To prevent cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and genital intraepithelial neoplasia caused by the human papillomavirus in females. to prevent anal cancer and genital warts in males.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are behind on your booster doses or have missed a scheduled booster, 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 highly unlikely that taking this vaccine could result in any form of overdosage.
What should be avoided?
Observe any restrictions your doctor places upon food, beverages or physical activities as prescribed.
Side effects of Gardasil 9 Vaccine
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, please seek emergency medical attention. 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 risk of developing cancer due to HPV is far greater than the vaccination that protects against it. Like any other medicine, the vaccine may cause side effects, but they are extremely rare.
Gardasil side effects include:
- Pain, swelling, itching, and redness; bruising or bleeding.
- Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain;
- 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.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may interfere with the human papillomavirus vaccination. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
