Gardasil Vaccine for Men & Women

Gardasil: Cervical Cancer Vaccine for Men and Women

by: Arlene Gentallan

Gardasil is a recombinant vaccine that protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) strains 6, 11, 16, and 18. Yes, Gardasil is not just for women, men can have a shot too.


HPV Facts

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly sexually transmitted disease. It has more than 100 viral strains. 40 strains are sexually transmitted and about 60 can cause warts.
• There are certain strains of HPV than can spread through skin-to-skin contact. There are self limiting HPV virus. Not all produces an apparent symptom.
• HPV 18 strain is responsible for the development of about 70% cases of cervical cancer.
• HPV 16 strain is res and oropharyngeal cancer,65% vaginal cancer, 50% vulvar cancer, and 35% penile cancer.
• HPV 6 and 11 can cause warts (condylomata acuminata.)

Advantages of Gardasil vaccination

• In men, it help prevent anal cancer and genital warts

• In females, it also help prevent anal cancer, genital warts, as well as cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer.

Age group for Gardasil vaccination

• Ages 9 to 26 years old are allowed to be vaccinated. It is recommended for boys and girls 11 to 12 years old.

Contraindications

• Certain individuals should not be vaccinated with Gardasil:
• Individuals allergic to yeast or latex
• Individuals with compromised immune system
• Pregnant women
• Lactating women

Does Gardasil offer 100% protection?

• Being vaccinated with Gardasil is not a guarantee that you will not develop cervical cancer so routine screening like pap smear should continue for women. Gardasil is a vaccine so it offers preventive measure, not curative.
• It offers about 70% protection against cervical cancer, 90% protection against genital warts, and 80% protection against anal cancer.

Shot intervals

• There are 3 Gardasil vaccine shots given at a duration of 6 months. Interval between the 1st and 2nd shot is 2 months. Interval between the 1nd and 3rd shot is 6 months.

Common side effects:

• Pain, redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site.
• Low grade fever
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting

Special precaution:

• Fainting may occur. To avoid injury, remain seated for 15 minutes after receiving a shot.