Gardasil HPV Vaccine (cont.)
In this Article
Does the vaccine contain thimerosal or mercury?
No, there is no thimerosal or mercury in the vaccine.
How long does vaccine protection last?
Will a booster shot be needed? The length of vaccine protection (immunity) is
usually not known when a vaccine is first introduced. So far, studies have found
that vaccinated persons are protected for five years. More research is being
done to find out how long protection will last, and if a booster dose of vaccine
will be needed.
Will girls/women be protected against HPV and related diseases, even if they don't get all three doses?
It is not yet known how much protection girls/women
would get from receiving only one or two doses of the vaccine. For this reason,
it is very important that girls/women get all three doses of the vaccine.
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?
Yes,
the series should be completed using the recommended intervals between doses,
even if this means that the series is completed after a woman turns 27 years of
age.
Does the vaccine protect against cervical cancer?
Yes, HPV vaccine is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer.
This new vaccine is highly effective in preventing HPV infection, the major
cause of cervical cancer in women. The vaccine protects against four types of
HPV, including two that cause about 70% of cervical cancer.
How common is cervical cancer?
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2007, over 11,000 women will be
diagnosed with cervical cancer and approximately 3,600 women will die from this
disease.
Next: Will the girls/women who have been vaccinated still need cervical cancer screening? »
- Gardasil (HPV Vaccine) - Gardasil HPV vaccine (recombinant human papillomavirus quadrivalent vaccine) drug class, prescription, injection, preparation, storage, dosage, drug interaction, pregnancy and nursing, and side effects information.
- Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
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