Gardasil 9 Vaccine is an HPV vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer and cancers of the female reproductive system, as well as genital warts in both males and females from 9 years of age and older.
Uses of Gardasil Vaccine
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine for children and adolescents from 9 years of age and adults, to protect against diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (Types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58), which include:
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Pre-cancerous lesions in the female reproductive system.
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Cancers of the reproductive organs (cervix, vulva, vagina).
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Pre-cancerous lesions and cancers of the anus and genital warts in both males and females.
Gardasil Vaccine Dosage and Method of Administration
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Gardasil 9 is administered via intramuscular injection (preferably in the upper arm or thigh) by a physician.
Gardasil 9 for children and adolescents (9 to 14 years old)
It can be taken in two doses:
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First dose: At a specified date.
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Second dose: Between 5 to 13 months after the first dose.
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If a dose is taken before 5 months have passed since the first dose, a third dose must be administered.
Or it can be taken in three doses:
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First dose: At a specified date.
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Second dose: Two months after the first dose.
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Third dose: Six months after the first dose.
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All three doses must be administered within a maximum period of one year.
Gardasil Vaccine for adults (older than 15 years)
It is taken in three doses:
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First dose: At a specified date.
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Second dose: Two months after the first dose.
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Third dose: Six months after the first dose. All three doses must be administered within a maximum period of one year.
Side Effects of Gardasil Vaccine
Gardasil may cause some side effects, such as:
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Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
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Headache.
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Bruising or itching at the injection site.
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Fever.
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Fatigue.
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Dizziness.
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Nausea.
Contraindications
Gardasil 9 should not be used in the following cases:
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Hypersensitivity to any of the vaccine components.
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Occurrence of an allergic reaction after receiving a dose of Gardasil, Silgard, or Gardasil 9.
Warnings and Precautions
Inform your doctor of any health problems you have before receiving Gardasil 9, especially:
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Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia.
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Weakened immunity.
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Suffering from a disease accompanied by a high fever; however, a mild fever or upper respiratory infection (such as a cold) is not a reason to delay receiving the vaccine.
Gardasil 9 for Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor or pharmacist before receiving this vaccine.
While Gardasil 9 does not show an increased risk of miscarriage or birth defects when given to pregnant women, the vaccine series should be postponed or discontinued until the end of the pregnancy if you are or become pregnant.
Gardasil 9 and Breastfeeding
Gardasil 9 may be used for women who are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed, after consulting a physician.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking before receiving the Gardasil vaccine, especially:
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Immunosuppressants.
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Birth control pills.
Storage and Handling Instructions
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Keep out of reach of children.
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Store in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C.
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Do not freeze.
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Keep in the original packaging, protected from light.