Four types of human papillomavirus, or HPV, can cause cervical cancer (types 16 and 18) and genital warts (types 6 and 11). Gardasil is the only vaccination approved by the FDA for these four types of HPV, and is given in three dosages. The vaccination is for women ages 9 to 26, and is recommended for girls age 10 and 11; Gardasil is not offered for men. However, if women do not get all three dosages of the HPV vaccination, they face risks of not being fully vaccinated and contracting HPV.
Age
Women should start the HPV vaccination while they are between the ages of 9 and 26, ideally before they engage in any sexual activity. However, the FDA has not licensed Gardasil for older women, as research to show the vaccine's effectiveness on women who are older than 26 have not be completed to date. Yet, if a woman is already getting the vaccination or stops for a period of time, she can continue receiving the remaining shots even if she is over age 26.
Dosage
The HPV vaccination has three doses: the second one is given after two months, and the third shot is given six months after the initial vaccination. It is recommended to follow this timeline. However, if a woman has a longer time lapse between vaccinations, she can continue from where she left off and does not need to start the series of vaccinations over again.
Protection
It is not known how much protection one dose or two doses of Gardasil provides against HPV. However, it is not the same level of protection that comes from all three doses of the vaccination. If a woman who has not had all three vaccinations comes in contact with HPV, there is a possibility that she can contract the virus. The HPV vaccination does not cure HPV if the woman already has the virus.
Pregnancy
Gardasil is not recommended for women who are pregnant. If a woman does become pregnant while getting the HPV vaccination, she will need to wait to have the remaining doses until after giving birth. She can continue from the dosage where she left off.
Tips
The only other way to avoid contracting HPV is to abstain from sex. For those who have difficulty remembering when they are due for a vaccination, doctors can provide a reminder card. In addition, the Gardasil website has an online version that will send out a reminder when it is time to have another vaccination.
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