Gardasil Vaccine: What You Need to Know

HPV and the Gardasil Vaccine

The Gardasil vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your children from human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women, and penile cancer in men. It can also cause genital warts in both men and women. The Gardasil vaccine is given as a series of three shots. The first shot is given at age 11 or 12, the second shot is given 6 to 12 months later, and the third shot is given 6 months after the second shot. The vaccine is about 97% effective in preventing HPV infection.

Benefits of the Gardasil Vaccine

The Gardasil vaccine has many benefits, including: * It is safe and effective. * It protects against HPV, which can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women, and penile cancer in men. * It also protects against genital warts. * It is given as a series of three shots, which makes it easy to get vaccinated.

Risks of the Gardasil Vaccine

The Gardasil vaccine is very safe, but there are some mild side effects that can occur, such as: * Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site * Fever * Headache * Nausea * Vomiting These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days.

Who Should Get the Gardasil Vaccine?

The Gardasil vaccine is recommended for all boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 12. It can also be given to older teens and adults who have not been vaccinated.

How to Get the Gardasil Vaccine

The Gardasil vaccine is available from your doctor or local health department. It is covered by most health insurance plans.

Conclusion

The Gardasil vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your children from HPV. It is recommended for all boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 12. If you have not been vaccinated, talk to your doctor about getting the Gardasil vaccine today.

Gardasil Vaccine