Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States. It can lead to serious health issues, including genital warts and different cancers, most notably cervical cancer. Fortunately, there is an effective way to prevent the complications caused by HPV: the HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9.

Understanding HPV:

There are more than 100 subtypes of HPV. HPV types 6 and 11 can cause genital warts, while types 16 and 18 are high risk for cervical cancers. There are other high-risk subtypes of HPV that can also lead to different cancers.

What is Gardasil 9?

Gardasil 9 is a vaccine designed to protect against nine types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. It is approved by the FDA for use in both males and females from ages 9 to 45, and is administered as a series of injections.

How Gardasil 9 Works:

Gardasil 9 works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the HPV types covered by the vaccine. When the vaccinated individual is later exposed to these HPV types, their immune system can recognize and combat the virus more effectively, preventing infection and the subsequent development of genital warts and cancers.

Benefits of Gardasil 9:

1. Prevention of Cervical Cancer: By protecting against types of HPV that are high-risk for causing cervical cancer, Gardasil 9 significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer.
2. Reduction of Genital Warts: The vaccine prevents infections with HPV types 6 and 11, which can cause genital warts. This can help reduce the physical and emotional discomfort associated with genital warts.
3. Protection Against Other Cancers: Gardasil 9 also protects against HPV types that cause cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and throat. This broad protection can contribute to a significant decrease in HPV-related cancers overall.

Importance of Vaccination:

Vaccination with Gardasil 9 is a crucial step in the fight against HPV-related diseases. Here are some key reasons why getting vaccinated is important:

1. Early Protection: Vaccinating children before they become sexually active ensures they are protected before potential exposure to HPV.
2. Cancer Prevention: By preventing infections with high-risk HPV types, Gardasil 9 significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical and other cancers later in life.
3. Public Health Impact: Widespread HPV vaccination can lead to a substantial decrease in HPV-related diseases, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving public health.

Considerations For Gardasil 9:

1. Dosage and Schedule: Gardasil 9 is administered as a series of two or three injections, depending on the age at which vaccination begins. For most individuals starting the series before their 15th birthday, two doses are given 6 to 12 months apart. For those starting at age 15 or older, three doses are given over six months.
2. Potential Side Effects While Gardasil 9 is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Serious side effects are rare. Common side effects include:

• Injection Site Reactions: Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site are common but usually mild and temporary.
• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches following the vaccination
• Dizziness or Fainting: people may feel dizzy or faint shortly after receiving the vaccine. It is recommended to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after the injection to reduce this risk.

Conclusion:

Gardasil 9 is a vital tool in the prevention of genital warts and cervical cancer, offering broad protection against multiple HPV types for both males and females. By stimulating the immune system to combat HPV, this vaccine helps reduce the risk of multiple cancers and genital warts. As with any vaccine, it is important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule. If you or a loved one are within the recommended age range for HPV vaccination, consider discussing Gardasil 9 with your healthcare provider or local pharmacist.

Resources:

1) https://www.cdc.gov/hpv-impact/about/index.html
2) GARDASIL®9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant) Suspension for intramuscular injection [package insert]. Rahway, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc; 2014.
3) Luria L, Cardoza-Favarato G. Human Papillomavirus. [Updated 2023 Jan 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448132/
4) https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
5) https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic-information.html