Gardasil vaccination

What is the Gardasil vaccine?

The Gardasil vaccine is a series of three shots given to females to protect against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV causes both cervical cancer and genital warts.  Gardasil vaccine is very effective and can prevent 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.

When should I get the Gardasil vaccine?

Anytime between the ages of 9 and 26 years old.  It is best to get it BEFORE you become sexually active but it can be helpful even if you have already had sex.

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Will my insurance pay for Gardasil?

Many insurance plans are now paying for the Gardasil vaccine. To find out if your insurance policy covers the vaccination, call the phone number on the back of your insurance card.

What are the risks of the Gardasil vaccine?

As with any injection, you may experience soreness at the injection site (the shoulder). If you have an allergy to yeast or are pregnant you should not receive this vaccine. There are several reports of serious events after Gardasil but they are not directly linked to the vaccine itself. For example, three girls that died from recreational drug overdose after having received the vaccine. Obviously not related to the vaccine but it is still reported. After many years of research there are no proven serious risks…there are serious benefits however. Talk to your provider about Gardisil at your next appointment.