Back to Vaccine Center

HPV

Protein Subunit

Human Papillomavirus

Manufacturer

Merck (Gardasil 9)

Administration

Intramuscular (IM)

Site: Deltoid

Storage

Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C. Protect from light.

Schedule

2 or 3 doses depending on starting age

Indications

  • Prevention of cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers and genital warts.

Target Ages:

11-12 years (can start at 9)Catch-up through age 26

Contraindications & Precautions

Contraindications

  • Severe allergic reaction to yeast
  • Pregnancy

Precautions

  • Syncope (fainting) is common among adolescents; observe for 15 minutes post-vaccination.

Side Effects

Common (Expected)

Pain/redness at injection siteHeadacheFeverNauseaSyncope

Rare Adverse Events

  • Anaphylaxis

Clinical Information

Effectiveness

Nearly 100% effective in preventing precancers caused by covered HPV types.

Patient Counseling

  • Sit or lie down for 15 minutes after the shot to prevent fainting.
  • Vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections.