Gardasil (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine prevents the spread of the most common types of STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and certain types of Cervical Cancer caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. The FDA approved recommended indications are: prevention of genital warts, cervical cancer, cervical adenocarcinoma, cervical vulvar and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasias.

Most human papillomavirus (HPV) infections occur without incident or treatment, but some may persist for years and eventually produce cellular abnormalities leading to illnesses. Approximately 100 HPV types cause warts and more than 30 HPV types have been linked to cervical cancer. The most common viruses are HPV 16 and 18, which cause more than 70% of cervical cancers. HPV types 6 and 11 are considered low-risk carcinogenic types, but they are responsible for 90% of genital warts. ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) clinical study findings show that the HPV vaccine was 100% effective in preventing cervical, vulva, and vaginal cancer; and 95% effective in preventing genital warts. The vaccine does not appear to be effective in women already exposed to HPV except for the virus types contained in the vaccine that they are not infected with.

In the United States, approximately 10,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and an estimated 3,700 women will die from the disease. Cervical Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death among women in the world.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations for this vaccine are only for girls and young women between the ages of 13 to 26 years of age for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. The vaccine should be administered before onset of sexual activity (before women are exposed to the viruses). It also recommends that adolescent girls and women in this age group who are sexually active should be vaccinated.

Abstinence or a mutually monogamous sexual relationship is the only effective method to prevent STDs completely. In all other cases, use a latex condom.

The HPV vaccine is not a replacement for routine cervical cancer screening or an annual gynecologic examination. It must be remembered that other types of HPV cause cancer; therefore, annual PAP SMEARS must be continued.

HPV vaccine is a “three-dose” series vaccine administered with 0.5 ml IM (intramuscularly) in the upper arm at 0, 2, and 6 months (or initial shot now, then in 2 months, and final third shot at 6 months).

HPV Vaccine is manufactured by Merck & Company, Inc. under the Trade Name of *Gardasil and is a noninfectious inactivated quadrivalent HPV (types 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine that contains highly purified virus-like particles.