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 viruses – 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 and must be purchased at pharmacies. Gardasil, which was previously developed, has a lower price, but it is important for people to know that it only protects against 4 types of the HPV virus.
When to get vaccinated
The Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vaccines can be received by children over 9 years of age, adolescents and adults. Since a large proportion of adults have already had some type of intimate contact, there is an increased risk of already having some type of HPV virus in their body and, in these cases, even if the vaccine is administered, there may continue to be some risk of develop cancer.
Clarify any doubts about the HPV vaccine.
How to get the vaccine
The doses of Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vary according to the age at which it is administered, with general recommendations advising:
- 9 to 13 years old: 2 doses must be administered, with the second dose being administered 6 months after the first;
- From 14 years old: it is recommended to follow a 3-dose schedule, where the second is administered after 2 months and the third is administered 6 months after the first.
People who have already been vaccinated with Gardasil can take Gardasil 9 in 3 doses, to guarantee protection against 5 more types of HPV.
Vaccine doses can be administered in private clinics or at SUS health 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 reactions at the site of the bite, such as redness, swelling and pain. To alleviate the effects at the injection site, it is recommended to apply cold compresses.
Who should not get the vaccine
Gardasil and Gardasil 9 should not be administered to pregnant women or people with allergies to any of the formula’s components.
Furthermore, administration of the vaccine should be postponed in people suffering from severe acute febrile illness.
