Gardasil Vaccine

• HPV-Related Diseases and Cancers: The Gardasil vaccine acts as the primary prevention method against HPV-related diseases and cancers.
• Cervical Cancer Prevention: With the Gardasil vaccine, cervical cancer caused by HPV types 16 and 18, which affects thousands of women worldwide, can be prevented.
• Genital Warts Prevention: 90% of genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11. With the Gardasil vaccine, genital warts can be prevented and provide excellent protection against these uncomfortable and potentially recurrent lesions.
• Other Cancer Prevention: Gardasil vaccine protects against other types of cancers caused by HPV infection, such as anal, vaginal, and vulvar.
• Target Population: Gardasil is recommended for girls, women, boys, and men aged 9-45 years.

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to any component of Gardasil vaccine or previous HPV vaccine doses should not receive the vaccine.
• Yeast Allergy: Individuals with severe yeast allergies should avoid vaccination since Gardasil vaccine contains yeast proteins from the manufacturing process.
• Bleeding Disorders: People with bleeding disorders or who are on blood-thinning medications should follow some special precautions as suggested by your doctor, as Gardasil vaccine may cause bleeding complications.

• Injection site reactions - Pain and tenderness, redness and swelling, bruising or discolouration, and warmth
• Headache
• Mild fever
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Nausea

Other General Warnings

• You have bleeding disorders like haemophilia.
• You are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
• You have a compromised immune system, for instance, as a result of a genetic defect, HIV infection, or immune-compromising medications.
• You suffer from an illness with a high fever.
• Gardasil Vaccine may not completely protect everyone who receives it, as is the case with any vaccine.
• You are taking any other medications or over-the-counter medicines.

• Do not self-inject or administer the Gardasil vaccine.
• Gardasil vaccine is given by either your doctor or nurse.
• Follow the aftercare instructions suggested by the doctor.
• Gardasil vaccine must be administered as an intramuscular injection, preferably in the muscle of the upper arm.
• The vaccine should never be given intravenously, intradermally, or subcutaneously.
• Gardasil vaccine can be given in either a 2-dose or a 3-dose schedule.
• Gardasil vaccine can be given simultaneously with other age-appropriate vaccines, including Meningococcal vaccines, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), COVID-19 vaccines, and Influenza vaccines.
• Different injection sites should be used when multiple vaccines are administered during the same visit.
• Standard Schedule (Ages 9-14): Gardasil can be administered in either a 2-dose or a 3-dose schedule. For the 2-dose schedule, the second dose should be administered 6 to 12 months after the first dose. If the second dose is administered earlier than 5 months after the first dose, administer a third dose at least 4 months after the second dose.
• Two doses given 6-12 months apart provide optimal protection when vaccination begins before age 15.
• Catch-up Schedule (Ages 15 - 45): Three doses are required - initial dose, second dose 1-2 months later, and third dose 6 months after the first dose.
• A healthcare professional will determine the appropriate dosing schedule.
• Timing Flexibility: The minimum interval between first and second doses is 4 weeks, and between second and third doses is 12 weeks.

• Gardasil vaccine must be stored refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
• The vaccine should never be frozen, as freezing destroys vaccine potency.
• Store the vaccine in the original packaging to protect from light exposure, which can degrade vaccine components.
• Used Gardasil injections or syringes should be disposed of according to local biomedical waste regulations.

• Eat a light meal before your appointment as it prevents you from fainting.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm.
• List all your current medications and allergies.
• Get adequate sleep the night before your appointment.
• Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

• Remain calm and relaxed to minimize discomfort.
• If you feel dizzy or unwell, inform your healthcare provider immediately.
• Breathe normally during the injection of Gardasil vaccine.

• Stay seated or lying down for 15 minutes after vaccination.
• Apply ice to the injection site if it becomes sore.
• Keep the injection site clean and dry.
• Schedule your next dose before leaving the clinic/hospital.

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Widespread rash or hives
• Swelling of face, lips, or throat
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• High fever (over 39°C/102°F)
• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Practice safe sex
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Continue regular cervical cancer screening as recommended
• Keep vaccination records in a safe and accessible place.

Overdose

Missed a Dose

How Does It Work?

• Gardasil injection works by stimulating the immune system with virus-like particles (VLPs) that closely resemble actual HPV viruses but contain no genetic material.
• After vaccination, the immune system recognizes these VLPs as foreign and produces antibodies that circulate. This provides protection after the immune response develops following vaccination.
• Gardasil vaccine will stimulate the formation of memory B cells and T cells, which "remember" HPV and provide long-lasting immunity that persists for many years.
• Widespread vaccination with Gardasil reduces HPV circulation, creating a “herd immunity effect” that protects even unvaccinated individuals.

Interactions with other medicines

• Gardasil vaccine effectiveness may be reduced in individuals who are on immunosuppressive medications like corticosteroids (high doses) and chemotherapy agents.
• Most dietary supplements don't interact with Gardasil, but inform healthcare providers about high-dose vitamin supplements, herbal immune system modulators, and probiotics (generally safe).