HPV Vaccine Gardasil 9: Details on Adverse Reactions, Dosage, Applications, and Additional Information

HPV Vaccine Gardasil 9: Details on Adverse Reactions, Dosage, Applications, and Additional Information

Gardasil 9: A Vaccine for HPV Protection Up to Age 45

Gardasil 9, a vaccine designed to protect against certain strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is approved for use in individuals up to the age of 45. This vaccine is not recommended for adults older than 45 years of age due to limited data on long-term effects in this age group [1][2].

The vaccine is available as a 0.5-mL injectable solution, administered either as a two-shot or three-shot series, depending on the age of the recipient [3]. The exact way that Gardasil 9 protects against certain strains of HPV is not fully understood, but it is believed that after getting the vaccine, patients develop a humoral immune response that protects against dysplasia, genital warts, and diseases related to the nine types of HPV that the vaccine covers [5].

Gardasil 9 has been proven safe through extensive use, with common short-term side effects including injection site reactions, headache, fever, nausea, and fatigue [1]. However, no well-controlled studies provide conclusive data on safety or long-term effects in individuals vaccinated after age 45 [1][4].

Long-term monitoring of vaccine recipients has not identified serious long-term adverse effects, and scientific consensus supports continued vaccination in eligible populations to reduce HPV-related cancers [4]. The vaccine is contraindicated in individuals hypersensitive to any component and is not recommended during pregnancy as a precaution [1].

If you are over 45 and considering HPV vaccination, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable to discuss your particular health background and risk factors. It's important to discuss all medications, treatments, vitamins, herbs, and supplements with a doctor or pharmacist before receiving the vaccine, as Gardasil 9 can interact with several other medications and treatments [6].

Gardasil 9 is the only vaccine approved in the United States to protect against certain diseases caused by HPV. The vaccine is recommended for females up to age 26 and males up to age 21 to prevent HPV-related cancers and genital warts [7]. The vaccine can help prevent cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and head and neck cancers caused by HPV [8].

The vaccine is given as a shot that goes into the muscle, usually in the upper arm [9]. In children ages 9 to 14, Gardasil 9 can be given as either a two-dose or three-dose series. Children ages 15 to 17 should get the three-dose series. Adults receive three doses of Gardasil 9, with the second dose given 2 months later and the final dose 6 months after the first dose [10].

It's important to note that Gardasil 9 does not treat existing HPV infections. After age 21 for males and age 26 for females, the Gardasil 9 vaccine may still be recommended by a doctor depending on risk factors [3]. The vaccine is more effective in younger individuals as they build immunity to HPV better than adults [11].

Gardasil 9 can be stored at temperatures between 32°F and 36°F (0°C to 2°C) for up to 72 hours, but it's recommended that the vaccine stay refrigerated at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until it's administered [12]. The cost of Gardasil 9 can vary depending on insurance coverage. Financial and insurance assistance may be available [3].

Current evidence indicates that Gardasil 9 is safe and effective in males and females up to age 45, but data on long-term effects specifically after age 45 remain limited [1][4]. If you have any questions or concerns about Gardasil 9, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Gardasil 9 Vaccine. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/vaccines/vpd/index.htm
2. American Cancer Society. (2021). HPV and Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv.html
3. Merck & Co., Inc. (2021). Gardasil 9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil_9/gardasil9_pi.pdf
4. World Health Organization. (2021). Human papillomavirus vaccines. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/immunization/research/development/vaccine_research_list/en/item/human-papillomavirus-vaccines.html
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). How HPV Vaccines Work. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/vaccines/vpd/how-it-works.htm
6. Merck & Co., Inc. (2021). Gardasil 9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil_9/gardasil9_pi.pdf
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV Vaccination: Who Should Get Vaccinated? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/vaccines/vpd/who-should-get-vaccinated.htm
8. Merck & Co., Inc. (2021). Gardasil 9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil_9/gardasil9_pi.pdf
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV Vaccine. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/imz/index.html
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV Vaccination Schedules. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/hpv.html
11. Merck & Co., Inc. (2021). Gardasil 9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant) Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil_9/gardasil9_pi.pdf
12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV Vaccine. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/imz/index.html
13. The HPV vaccine Gardasil 9 falls under the categories of health-and-wellness and general-news, as it is a vital preventative measure against certain strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical, vaginal, anal, and head and neck cancers.
14. Science and education-and-self-development are interconnected with the HPV vaccine, as ongoing research is being conducted to understand the exact way Gardasil 9 protects against HPV and its long-term effects, particularly in individuals over the age of 45.
15. The HPV vaccine Gardasil 9, a vital tool in the health-and-wellness sector, is recommended for females up to age 26 and males up to age 21, but after these age limits, a healthcare provider's recommendation may still be necessary based on an individual's risk factors.

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