Olin Front
Gardasil

 

Gardasil


Who can receive GARDASIL?

GARDASIL is for girls and women ages 9-26.

How can I get GARDASIL?

MSU Students interested in receiving GARDASIL should call 353-4660 to make an appointment with a nurse in the gynecology clinic. Although an appointment is required, it will not count as one of your “three prepaid visits”. There will be a charge only for the vaccine. In most cases, the scheduled appointment will allow the patient to be in and out of the clinic in 30 minutes.

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

HPV is a common virus. There are many different types of HPV; some cause no harm, others can cause diseases of the genital area. For most people the virus goes away on its own. When the virus does not go away, it can develop into cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type.

Who is at risk for Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

A male or female of any age who takes part in any kind of sexual activity that involves genital contact is at risk. In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV during their lifetime.

Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. This means that they can pass on the virus to others and not know it.

What is GARDASIL?

GARDASIL is a vaccine (injection/shot) that helps protect against the following diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types (6, 11, 16 and 18):
  • Cervical cancer (cancer of the lower end of the uterus or womb).
  • Abnormal and precancerous cervical lesions.
  • Abnormal and precancerous vaginal lesions.
  • Abnormal and precancerous vulvar lesions.
  • Genital warts.
- FYI:
  • GARDASIL helps prevent these diseases - but it will not treat them.
  • You cannot get these diseases from GARDASIL.
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Who should not receive GARDASIL?

Anyone who:
  • is allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. (Main ingredients are purified inactive proteins that come from HPV Types 6, 11, 16 and 18. It also contains amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, sodium chloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium borate, and water for injection.)
  • has an allergic reaction after getting a dose of the vaccine.

What other key information about GARDASIL should I know?

  • The price at Olin is currently $241 for each dose of the vaccine, the vaccine is a series of three doses.
  • Vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. Females who receive GARDASIL should continue cervical cancer screening.
  • As with all vaccines, GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine.
  • GARDASIL will not protect against diseases due to non-vaccine HPV types. There are more than 100 HPV types; GARDASIL only helps protect against 4 types (6, 11, 16 and 18). These 4 types have been selected for GARDASIL because they cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.
  • This vaccine may not protect you against HPV types to which you may have already been exposed.
  • GARDASIL also will not protect against other diseases that are not caused by HPV.
  • GARDASIL works best when given before you have any contact with certain types of HPV (i.e., HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18).
  • Your health care professional will decide if you should receive the vaccine.
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How is GARDASIL given?

GARDASIL is given as an injection. You will receive 3 doses of the vaccine. Ideally, the doses are given as:
  • First dose: at a date you and your health care professional choose.
  • Second dose: 2 months after the first dose.
  • Third dose: 6 months after the first dose.
- Make sure you receive all 3 doses; this allows you to get the full benefits of GARDASIL.

What are the possible side effects of GARDASIL?

GARDASIL has been shown to be generally well tolerated in women and girls as young as 9 years of age.

However, the most commonly reported side effects include:
  • pain, swelling, itching, and redness at the injection site
  • fever
- Difficulty breathing (bronchospasm) has been reported very rarely.
- If you have any unusual or severe symptoms after receiving GARDASIL, contact your health care professional right away.
- For a more complete list of side effects, ask your health care professional.

Will GARDASIL help me if I already have Human Papillomavirus?

You may benefit from GARDASIL if you already have HPV, because most people are not infected with all four types of HPV contained in the vaccine.

If you would like more information, please talk to your health care professional or visit www.GARDASIL.com.

Additional Resources:


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