Gardasil 9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-Valent Vaccine, Recombinant)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Gardasil 9 Used For?
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine that helps protect against diseases caused by nine types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It’s designed to prevent various cancers and conditions before they develop, not to treat existing diseases.
Primary Uses
In girls and women (ages 9-45): Prevents cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers; abnormal and precancerous lesions in these areas; genital warts; and HPV infection. In boys and men (ages 9-45): Prevents anal cancer and precancerous anal lesions; external genital lesions including genital warts; and HPV infection.
How It Works
Gardasil 9 causes your body to produce its own protection by making antibodies in the blood that fight HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. When a vaccinated person comes into contact with HPV, the body is usually ready to destroy it. It takes several weeks after vaccination to develop protection, and you need to complete the full vaccine series for best protection.
Good to know: You cannot get HPV or any of the diseases from the Gardasil 9 vaccine itself. The vaccine works best when given before exposure to HPV, but may also benefit those with previous infections.
How to Take Gardasil 9
A doctor or nurse will give you Gardasil 9 as an injection into the muscle in your arm or leg. Each dose is 0.5mL.
Dosage Instructions
Ages 15-45: Three doses – Dose 1 at chosen date, Dose 2 at 2 months after first dose (not earlier than 1 month), Dose 3 at 6 months after first dose (not earlier than 3 months after second dose). All three doses should be given within 1 year. Ages 9-14: May receive 2 doses – Dose 1 at chosen date, Dose 2 between 5-13 months after first dose. If second dose is given earlier than 5 months after first, a third dose is needed.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a scheduled dose, talk to your doctor or nurse. They will decide when to give the missed dose. It’s important to follow their instructions about return visits for follow-up doses and complete the full vaccine series.
Important: Complete the full vaccine series to get the full benefits of Gardasil 9. Keep a record of vaccinations and update after each injection.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain, swelling, redness, itching and bruising at injection site
- Headache
- Fever or high temperature
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fainting sometimes with seizure-like movements
- Vomiting
- Lump where injection was given
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Pinkish, itchy swellings on skin (hives)
- Skin rash, itchiness
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue causing difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Swelling of other body parts
Important Warnings
There are important situations where Gardasil 9 should not be given and conditions that need discussion with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Gardasil 9
Do not get Gardasil 9 if you or your child have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of Gardasil or Gardasil 9, or are allergic to any ingredients in the vaccine. Signs of allergic reaction include swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat or other body parts, shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, or hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you or your child have: bleeding disorders that prevent arm injections, any illness with fever higher than 37.8°C (vaccination may be delayed), weakened immune system due to genetic defects or HIV infection, take medicines affecting the immune system, or have any other medical conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
You should not get Gardasil 9 during pregnancy. If planning to get pregnant or become pregnant, wait until no longer pregnant to complete vaccine series. Studies of over 1000 pregnancies showed no higher chance of miscarriages or birth defects, but data is insufficient to recommend use during pregnancy. Gardasil 9 may be given to women who are breastfeeding.
Elderly Patients: Gardasil 9 has not been studied in elderly patients.
Drug Interactions
Tell your healthcare provider about all vaccines and medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
Previous Gardasil: If you’ve already received Gardasil, talk to your healthcare provider to see if Gardasil 9 is right for you. Gardasil 9 contains the same four HPV types as Gardasil plus five additional types.
- Tell doctor if you’ve had any vaccines in the last four weeks
- Can be given with Menactra (Meningococcal vaccine)
- Can be given with Adacel (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis vaccine)
- Can be given with Repevax (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis and Polio vaccine)
- More swelling at injection site may occur when given with other vaccines
Alcohol & Driving
Fainting can occur after receiving the vaccine, so precautions should be taken.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
You may be asked to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after getting Gardasil 9 due to risk of fainting. Some people who faint might shake or become stiff and may need medical treatment.
Storage
You’re unlikely to be asked to store Gardasil 9, but if needed: Keep in refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze – freezing destroys the vaccine. Protect from light by keeping in original pack until use. Administer as soon as possible after removing from refrigeration. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
Overdose is not applicable as Gardasil 9 is given as specific doses by healthcare professionals in clinical settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
It usually takes several weeks after vaccination to develop protection against HPV. You need to complete the full vaccine series for best protection.
No, you cannot get HPV or any of the diseases from Gardasil 9. The vaccine contains inactive proteins that help your body build immunity.
Yes, Gardasil 9 does not remove the need for regular cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancer screening as recommended by your doctor. Women should still get routine cervical cancer screening.
Fainting can happen after vaccination. You may be asked to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after getting Gardasil 9. Some people who faint might shake or become stiff and may need treatment by a doctor.
If you’ve already received Gardasil, talk to your healthcare provider to see if Gardasil 9 is right for you. Gardasil 9 contains the same four HPV types as Gardasil plus five additional HPV types.
If you miss a scheduled dose, talk to your doctor or nurse. They will decide when to give the missed dose. It’s important to complete the full vaccine series.
No, you should not get Gardasil 9 during pregnancy. If you’re planning to get pregnant or become pregnant, wait until you’re no longer pregnant to complete your vaccine series.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.