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Gardasil and Gardasil 9 are vaccines that protect against different types of the HPV virus, responsible for the emergence of cervical cancer, and other changes such as genital warts and other types of cancer in the anus, vulva and vagina.
Gardasil is the oldest vaccine that protects against 4 types of HPV virus - 6, 11, 16 and 18 - and Gardasil 9 is the most recent vaccine against HPV that protects against 9 types of the virus - 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.
This type of vaccine is not included in the vaccination plan and, therefore, is not administered free of charge, having to be purchased at pharmacies. Gardasil, which was developed earlier, has a lower price, but it is important for a person to know that it only protects against 4 types of the HPV virus.
When to vaccinate
Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vaccines can be given to children over 9 years of age, adolescents and adults. Since a large proportion of adults have had some type of intimate contact, there is an increased risk of having some type of HPV virus in the body and, in these cases, even if the vaccine is administered, there may still be some risk of develop cancer.
Clear all doubts about the vaccine against the HPV virus.
How to get the vaccine
Doses of Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vary according to the age at which it is administered, and general recommendations advise:
- 9 at 13 years: 2 doses must be given, with the second dose having to be taken 6 months after the first;
- From 14 years of age: it is advisable to do a 3-dose schedule, where the second is given after 2 months and the third is given after 6 months of the first.
People who have already been vaccinated with Gardasil can take Gardasil 9 in 3 doses, to ensure protection against 5 more types of HPV.
Doses of the vaccine can be made in private clinics or at SUS he alth centers by a nurse, however, the vaccine must be purchased at a pharmacy, as it is not part of the vaccination plan.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of using this vaccine include headache, dizziness, nausea, excessive tiredness and sting site reactions such as redness, swelling and pain. To alleviate the effects at the injection site, it is advisable to apply cold compresses.
Who should not get the vaccine
Gardasil and Gardasil 9 should not be administered to pregnant women or people allergic to any of the components of the formula.
Furthermore, administration of the vaccine should be delayed in persons suffering from severe acute febrile illness.
