Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
human papillomavirus quadrivalent (types, 6, 11, 16, 18) vaccine	Gardasil

How It Works

Gardasil is given in three shots (injections) over 6 months. In response to the vaccine, which contains an inactive form of human papillomavirus (HPV), your body makes antibodies against the virus. This response is known as active immunity.

Why It Is Used

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are more than 100 known types of HPV. HPV types 6 and 11 cause genital warts. Types 16 and 18 can cause cervical cancer. Gardasil blocks these four types of HPV.

Gardasil is recommended for girls 9 to 13 years of age. It's important that girls get the vaccine before they begin to have sex.

Older girls and women 14 to 26 years of age also benefit from getting the vaccine, even if they are already having sex or have had abnormal Pap test, cervical cancer, genital warts, or HPV infection. These girls and women may not yet have HPV infection or the HPV types that Gardasil blocks.¹

You can keep track of when your child received vaccines using the national childhood immunization record(What is a PDF document?) or the British Columbia childhood immunization record(What is a PDF document?).

At this time, there is no recommendation for women older than 26 getting the HPV vaccine.

How Well It Works

The HPV vaccine is nearly 100% effective for girls and women who do not have HPV. But the vaccine does not affect existing cervical changes caused by HPV.¹

Side Effects

Mild reactions to the HPV vaccine are common and include:²

• Pain, redness, swelling, or itchiness where the shot was given.
• Fever.

Even though serious allergic reactions are rare with Gardasil, call your doctor or local health unit right away if you or your child has trouble breathing, a high fever, or anything unusual after having the shot.

A person who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or to yeast should not get another dose. Tell your doctor or nurse if you or your child has had a severe reaction to any vaccine or has severe allergies.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

People with a mild illness, such as a cold, can get the HPV vaccine. But if they are more ill, they should wait until they are better.

Pregnant women should not get the HPV vaccine.

Your provincial or territorial health ministry may not yet cover the cost of the HPV vaccine. You may have to pay for the vaccine yourself. The cost is about $500.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Alison Allen Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: January 29, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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