Gardasil 9
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine that prevents infection from a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). It helps lower the risk of getting genital warts and certain types of cancers (e.g., cervical cancer in females) caused by this virus later in life. It's a routine vaccine that's recommended for all children in the United States. In 2018, the FDA approved Gardasil 9 for use in some people aged 27 to 45 years old.
What is Gardasil 9?
What is Gardasil 9 used for?
Prevention of HPV infection
How Gardasil 9 works
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine that protects you from 9 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can cause genital warts and certain cancers later in life.
Gardasil 9 is a recombinant vaccine. It helps your body's immune system make antibodies against the virus. These antibodies will attack the virus if it ever infects your body.
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What are the side effects of Gardasil 9?
Common Side Effects
- Pain, swelling, and redness at injection site
- Headache
- Fever
Other Side Effects
- Other reactions at the injection site (e.g., bleeding, bruising, warmth, itchiness)
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain
- Stomach pain
Serious Side Effects
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain
Source: DailyMed
More on Gardasil 9 side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Gardasil 9
Pros
Works well to protect against genital warts and cancers caused by HPV
Can be given at the same time as other vaccines
Booster doses aren't typically needed.
A common vaccine that's easy to find
Cons
Must receive 2 to 3 injections to complete the series
Needs to be injected into the muscle
Must be given by a healthcare provider at an office, clinic, or pharmacy
Might not be a good option for people who are allergic to yeast
Pharmacist tips for Gardasil 9
Read the vaccine information statement for more information on Gardasil 9.
Just like all vaccines, receiving Gardasil 9 doesn't guarantee that you won't get infected with HPV. Make sure you continue to take preventative measures, like using condoms properly during sex and getting screened for cervical cancer regularly.
Wait until you're healthy to get Gardasil 9. This will help make sure your immune system protects you as best as it can. If you have a mild sickness, such as a cold or low-grade fever, you might still be able to get Gardasil 9. But if you feel moderately to severely sick, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine. Ask your provider if you're not sure whether you can get this vaccine.
Make sure to keep a record of all your immunizations and show it to your provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine, including Gardasil 9, to make sure you're receiving all your vaccines on schedule.
If you experience a severe reaction to Gardasil 9, you or your provider can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Frequently asked questions about Gardasil 9
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What are the risks and warnings for Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Fainting
Risk factors: Fainting before or after vaccines in the past
Some people have experienced fainting after getting vaccinated against HPV. Fainting can sometimes occur with stiffening or twitching of your arms and legs. Let your provider know if you've fainted after receiving vaccines in the past. You might need to sit down and stay at the clinic for a few minutes so you can be monitored after you get the vaccine.
Severe allergic reactions
Risk factors: Allergy to yeast
As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to Gardasil 9. Your provider might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to make sure you get proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Gardasil 9 contains yeast, so don't receive this vaccine if you're allergic to yeast. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.
Lower response to Gardasil 9 in people with weakened immune systems
Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system
Gardasil 9 might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. This can put you at higher risk of HPV, even after you've received the vaccine. If you have any medical conditions (e.g., HIV (human immunodeficiency disease), cancer) or take medications that weaken your immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids, transplant medications, cancer medications), talk to your provider first before receiving Gardasil 9.
Gardasil 9 dosage forms
Typical dosing for Gardasil 9
Age 9 to 14 years:
This vaccine is typically a 2-dose series for this age group, given as 1 injection at 0 months and at 6 to 12 months.
If the second dose is given earlier than 5 months after the first dose, a third dose should be given at least 4 months after the second dose.
Children with weakened immune systems should receive 3 doses, given as 1 injection at 0 months, 2 months, and 6 months.
Age 15 to 45 years:
This vaccine is a 3-dose series for this age group, given as 1 injection at 0 months, 2 months, and 6 months.
Each injection (0.5 mL) is given into the shoulder or thigh muscle by a healthcare provider.
How much does Gardasil 9 cost?
Gardasil 9 contraindications
Allergy to yeast
What is the latest news about Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 images
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