From the Research
Gardasil 9 is recommended for adults aged 21 years and older as a 2-dose regimen, with the second dose given 6-12 months after the first dose, as per the most recent guidelines 1. The vaccine protects against human papillomavirus (HPV) types that cause most cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile cancers, and genital warts.
- The recommended dosage is 0.5 mL administered as an intramuscular injection, preferably in the deltoid region of the upper arm or in the higher anterolateral area of the thigh.
- While routine vaccination is recommended at ages 11-12, catch-up vaccination for those who weren't previously vaccinated provides important protection.
- The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against HPV, preventing infection with these virus types before exposure.
- Side effects are generally mild and may include pain at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, and dizziness. Key considerations for vaccination include:
- Individuals considered immunocompromised and individuals infected with HIV should receive a 3-dose series.
- NACI also issued a discretionary recommendation for HPV vaccination for individuals 27 years and older, and updated guidance to allow HPV vaccine during pregnancy 1. It's essential to note that the vaccine is not effective against current infection with a vaccine HPV type, but it can provide protection against infection or disease caused by the remaining vaccine HPV types and against reinfection with the same HPV type after clearance of an infection caused by a vaccine HPV type 2, 3.