Gardasil HPV Vaccine (cont.)
In this Article
Will the girls/women who have been vaccinated still need cervical cancer screening?
Yes, they will still need to see their healthcare provider for
cervical cancer screening. There are three reasons why women will still need
regular cervical cancer screening. First, the vaccine will NOT provide
protection against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, so women will
still be at risk for some cancers. Second, some women may not get all required
doses of the vaccine (or they may not get them at the right times), so they may
not get the vaccine's full benefits. Third, women may also not get the vaccine's
full benefits if they have already acquired a vaccine HPV type.
Why is the vaccine only recommended for girls/women ages 9 through 26?
The vaccine has been extensively tested in 9 through 26 year-old females so
information is only available about vaccine safety and protection for
girls/women of this age group. However, studies on the vaccine are now being
done in boys/men, as well as in women older than 26 years of age. The FDA will
consider licensing the vaccine for these other groups when there is research to
show that it is safe and effective in these groups.
Why is HPV vaccine recommended for girls 11 to 12 years of age?
It is important for girls to get HPV vaccine before they become sexually
active. The vaccine is most effective for girls/women who get vaccinated before
their first sexual contact. It does not work as well for those who were exposed
to the virus before getting the vaccine. However, most women will still benefit
from getting the vaccine because they will be protected against other virus
types contained in the vaccine.
Should pregnant women be vaccinated?
The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. There has only been
limited information about vaccine safety among pregnant women and their unborn
babies. So far, studies suggest that the vaccine has not caused health problems
during pregnancy, nor has it caused health problems for the child. But more
research is still needed. For now, pregnant women should wait to complete their
pregnancy before getting the vaccine. If a women finds out she is pregnant after
she has started getting the vaccine series, she should wait until after her
pregnancy is completed to finish the three-dose series.
Next: What about vaccinating males? »
- 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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