Gardasil and Gardasil 9 are vaccines that protect against different types of the HPV virus, responsible for the appearance 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 and protects against 4 types of HPV virus - 6, 11, 16 and 18 - and Gardasil 9 is the most recent HPV vaccine that protects against 9 types of 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, needing to be purchased at pharmacies. Gardasil, which was previously developed, has a lower price, but it is important that the person knows that it only protects against 4 types of the HPV virus.
When to get vaccinated
Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vaccines can be made by children over 9 years old, teenagers and adults. Since a large proportion of adults have already had some type of intimate contact, there is an increased risk of having some type of HPV virus in the body, and in such cases, even if the vaccine is administered, there may still be some risk of develop cancer.
Clarify all 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 should be administered, and the second dose must be made 6 months after the first; From 14 years old: it is advisable to make a scheme with 3 doses, where the second is administered after 2 months and the third is administered after 6 months of the first.
People who have already been vaccinated with Gardasil, can make Gardasil 9 in 3 doses, to ensure protection against 5 more types of HPV.
The doses of the vaccine can be made in private clinics or at SUS health posts by a nurse, however, the vaccine needs to 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, feeling sick, excessive tiredness and reactions at the bite site, such as redness, swelling and pain. To alleviate the effects at the injection site, it is advisable to apply cold compresses.
Who should not get the vaccine
Gardasil and Gardasil 9 should not be used in pregnant women or in people who are allergic to any of the components of the formula.
In addition, administration of the vaccine should be delayed in people suffering from severe acute febrile illness.
