HPV - GARDASIL 9 Vaccine Information

HPV - GARDASIL 9 Vaccine Information

 

What is GARDASIL 9? 

GARDASIL 9 is a vaccine (injection/shot) given to individuals above 9 years of age to help protecting against diseases caused by some types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). 

 

What diseases can GARDASIL 9 help protecting against? 

In women above 9 years of age, GARDASIL 9 helps protecting against: 

  • Cervical cancer 
  • Vulvar and vaginal cancers
  • Anal cancer
  • Precancerous cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal lesions 
  • Genital warts 

In men above 9 years of age, GARDASIL 9 helps protecting against: 

  • Anal cancer 
  • Precancerous anal lesions 
  • Genital warts 

These diseases have many causes. Most of the time, these diseases are caused by nine types of HPV: HPV Types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. GARDASIL 9 only protects against diseases caused by these nine types of HPV. 

People cannot get HPV or any of these diseases from GARDASIL 9.

 

What important information about GARDASIL 9 should I know?

Gardasil can be administered according to a 3-dose (0, 2, 6 months) schedule. All three doses should be given within a 1-year-period.

Does not remove the need for cervical cancer screening; women should still get routine cervical cancer screening.

Does not protect the person getting GARDASIL 9 from a disease that is caused by other types of HPV, other viruses or bacteria.

Does not treat HPV infection.

Does not protect the person getting GARDASIL 9 from HPV types that he/she may already have.

 

Who should get HPV vaccination?

HPV vaccines work best for women who have never been exposed to HPV infection. Therefore, they should work best in women who have not started sexual activities. In women who have had sexual activities, the effectiveness varies. Please consult your doctor for further information.

 

Who should not get GARDASIL 9?

Anyone with an allergic reaction to:

  • A previous dose of GARDASIL 9
  • A previous dose of GARDASIL®
  • Yeast (severe allergic reaction)
  • Amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate
  • Polysorbate 80

 

Are HPV vaccines safe for pregnant women?

  • Because of limited data, HPV vaccines are not recommended for pregnant women. Pregnant women should consult their doctors for any queries.

 

What are the possible side effects of GARDASIL 9?

The most common side effects seen with GARDASIL 9 are:

  • pain, swelling, redness, itching, bruising, bleeding, and a lump where you got the shot
  • headache
  • fever
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • tiredness
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain
  • sore throat

 

Reference:

GARDASIL9 information sheet

Macau Health Bureau