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About the Vaccine

What is GARDASIL™ vaccine?


GARDASIL™ is the licensed vaccine that protects girls and women against infection from HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 and diseases associated with these types (cervical cancer and genital warts).


Who can get the GARDASIL™ vaccine?

 

GARDASIL™ is given to girls and young women aged 9 through 26 years. Ideally it should be given before you have been exposed to HPV (before or soon after beginning sexual activity). The VEC has a study going on right now using HPV vaccine (GARDASIL™), contact us to see if you are eligible.


Why should you get the vaccine?


You should get HPV vaccine as it will assist in protecting you against getting the following HPV related diseases:

  • Cervical cancer – Cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina). Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of HPV.

  • Abnormal cervical cells – Cells in the lining of the cervix that have changed in appearance. The more severe the abnormal cells, the more likely it is that cervical cancer can develop in the future.

  • Vaginal and vulvar (the outside of the female genital area) cancers – Cancer of the female genital area.

  • Abnormal vaginal and vulvar cells – Cells in the female genital area that have changed in appearance.

  • Genital warts – Flesh-coloured growths that may cause burning, itching and pain, although often they do not cause any symptoms.

Will GARDASIL™ work for everyone?


GARDASIL™ helps prevent these diseases, but it will not treat them. GARDASIL™ will not protect against other diseases that are not caused by HPV. As with all vaccines, GARDASIL™ may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine.

 

Will you experience any side effects with GARDASIL™?


Studies have shown that when GARDASIL™was given to women and girls as young as 9 years of age, it was generally well tolerated. However, as with all vaccines, there may be some short-lived side effects. The vaccine is given as a series of shots in the arm. The most commonly reported side effects in girls and women included:

  • pain, swelling, itching, and redness at the injection site
  • fever, nausea, dizziness, and headache.