Gardasil HPV Vaccine Information

• What is the HPV vaccine?
• Who should get the HPV vaccine?
• Are there other HPV vaccines in development?
• How and when is the vaccine delivered?
• Is the HPV vaccine effective?
• Is the HPV vaccine safe?
• Does the vaccine contain thimerosal or mercury?
• How long does vaccine protection last? Will a booster shot be needed?
• Will girls/women be protected against HPV and related diseases, even if they don't get all three doses?
• If a woman turns 27 years of age after the first dose of HPV was administered but before the third doses is administered, should the series be completed?
• Does the vaccine protect against cervical cancer?
• How common is cervical cancer?
• Will the girls/women who have been vaccinated still need cervical cancer screening?
• Why is the vaccine only recommended for girls/women ages 9 through 26?
• Why is HPV vaccine recommended for girls 11 to 12 years of age?
• Should pregnant women be vaccinated?
• What about vaccinating males?
• Will my child be required to get the vaccine before she enters school?
• How much will the HPV vaccine cost?
• Will the vaccine be covered by insurance plans?
• How can I get the vaccine if I don't have insurance?

What is the HPV vaccine?

The vaccine, Gardasil, is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions, and genital warts due to HPV.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for all 11 and 12 year old girls. The recommendation allows for vaccination to begin at age nine. Vaccination also is recommended for females aged 13 through 26 years who have not been previously vaccinated or who have not completed the full series of shots.

Are there other HPV vaccines in development?

Another HPV vaccine (being developed by GlaxoSmithKline) is in the final stages of clinical testing, but it is not yet licensed. This vaccine would protect against the two types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.

How and when is the vaccine delivered?

The vaccine is given in a series of three injections over a six-month period. The second and third doses should be given at two and six months (respectively) after the first dose. HPV vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Is the HPV vaccine effective?

This vaccine is highly effective in preventing four types of HPV in young women who have not been previously exposed to HPV. This vaccine targets HPV types that cause up to 70% of all cervical cancers and about 90% of genital warts. The vaccine will not treat existing HPV infections or their complications.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The FDA has licensed the vaccine as safe and effective. This vaccine has been tested in thousands of females (9 to 26 years of age) around the world. These studies have shown no serious side effects. The most common side effect is brief soreness at the injection site. CDC, working with the FDA, will continue to monitor the safety of the vaccine after it is in general use.