GARDASIL
Gardasil is a vaccine that helps protect against the following diseases caused by certain Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types: cervical cancer (cancer of the lower end of the uterus or womb), anal cancer, abnormal and precancerous cervical, vaginal and vulvar lesions and genital warts. Gardasil helps prevent these diseases – but it will not treat them.
HPV is a common virus. In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 20 million people in the United States had this virus. There are many different types of HPV; some cause no harm. Others can cause diseases of the genital area. For most people the virus goes away on its own. When the virus does not go away it can develop into cervical cancer, anal cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type.
In 2005, the CDC estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV during their lifetime. A male or female of any age who takes part in any kind of sexual activity that involves genital contact is at risk. Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. This means that they can transmit the virus to others and not know it.
Cancer of the cervix is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. This disease is caused by certain HPV types that can cause the cells in the lining of the cervix to change from normal to precancerous lesions. If these are not treated, they can turn cancerous.
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV. They often appear as skin-colored growths. They are found on the inside or outside of the genitals. They can hurt, itch, bleed, and cause discomfort. These lesions are usually not precancerous. Sometimes, it takes multiple treatments to eliminate these lesions.
Vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. Females who receive Gardasil should continue cervical cancer screening.
As with all vaccines, Gardasil may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine. Gardasil will not protect against diseases due to non-vaccine HPV types. There are more than 100 HPV types; Gardasil helps protect against 4 types (6, 11, 16, and 18). These 4 types have been selected for Gardasil because they cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. This vaccine will not protect you against HPV types to which you may have already been exposed. Gardasil works best when given before any contact with these types of HPV.
Gardasil is approved for girls and women 9 through 26 years of age, but is currently recommended for ages 11-26. It is also now approved and recommended for boys and men at those ages. Since the virus is spread through sexual activity, it is important to vaccinate anyone, including males, who may otherwise be spreading it to others.
It is given as a series of 3 injections; the second is 2 months after the first and the 3rd is 6 months after the first. The side effects, if any, are pain, swelling, itching and redness at the injection site and fever.
If you are interested in having your daughter or son receive this vaccine, please contact our office so that we may order it for you. It will also be offered to your child at their yearly physical if due for it.