What
does this vaccine do?
GARDASIL 9 protects against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — a common virus
spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Most HPV infections
clear on their own, but some strains cause cancer or genital warts.
GARDASIL 9 protects against 9 HPV strains responsible for:
• About 90% of cervical cancers
• Most vulvar, vaginal, and anal
cancers linked to HPV
• A large proportion of throat
(oropharyngeal) cancers
• About 90% of genital warts
The vaccine contains harmless virus-like particles — it cannot cause HPV
infection because it contains no live virus.
How
many doses do I need?
|
Aged 9–14 years
(2-dose schedule) |
Dose 1 on the chosen
date, then Dose 2 at 6–12 months later |
|
Aged 15–45 years
(3-dose schedule) |
Dose 1, then Dose 2 at
2 months, then Dose 3 at 6 months (0.5ml) |
If you miss a dose, do not start over — just get the missed dose as soon
as possible and continue from there.
What
side effects might I notice?
Very common:
• Injection site pain — up to 9 in 10
people experience arm soreness. This is the most common side effect and usually
settles within a few days.
• Headache, mild fever, fatigue — very
common; usually short-lived
Important — fainting:
• Fainting (syncope) is relatively
common after any injection in teenagers and young adults
• You will be asked to sit or lie down
for at least 15 minutes after the injection for this reason
Who
should NOT have this vaccine?
• Anyone with a known allergy to yeast
(GARDASIL 9 is made using baker's yeast) or to a previous dose of GARDASIL
• If you have a fever or significant
illness — wait until you have recovered
• Pregnant women — delay until after
delivery (complete any remaining doses post-partum)
Important
things to know
|
🔬 THIS IS NOT A
SUBSTITUTE FOR CERVICAL SCREENING |
GARDASIL 9 protects
against most but not all HPV strains that cause cervical cancer. All women
must continue regular Pap smears or HPV DNA tests according to national
guidelines — even after vaccination. |
|
👦 IT WORKS FOR MALES TOO |
GARDASIL 9 is
recommended for males as well as females. In males, it prevents genital warts
and reduces the risk of anal and throat cancers. Vaccinating males also helps
protect unvaccinated partners. |
|
💡 MOST EFFECTIVE BEFORE
HPV EXPOSURE |
The vaccine works best
when given before a person's first sexual contact. However, it can still
provide benefit at any age up to 45, as most people have not been exposed to
all 9 strains. |
Frequently
Asked Questions
❓ Does GARDASIL 9 protect against all types of cervical cancer?
GARDASIL 9 covers the HPV types responsible for about 90% of cervical
cancers. It is very effective, but no vaccine covers 100% of all cancer-causing
HPV types. This is why regular cervical screening (Pap smear or HPV DNA test)
remains essential for all women, even after vaccination.
❓ If I have already had HPV, can I still benefit from the
vaccine?
Yes — even if you have had a previous HPV infection, vaccination can
still protect you against the other strains you have not yet been exposed to.
There is no test required before vaccination. You benefit from it regardless of
prior HPV exposure.
❓ Can boys and men benefit from GARDASIL 9?
Yes — in males, GARDASIL 9 prevents genital warts, anal cancer, and
reduces the risk of throat cancers caused by HPV. Male vaccination also helps
protect partners and contributes to reducing HPV spread in the community.