Gardasil is a vaccine that is use in the prevention of the four types of human papillomavirus. It has been approved to protect girls ages 9 to 26 against the two types of human papillomavirus that may lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva and vagina. It also protects two more types of the virus that causes 90% of the cases of genital warts. Around 75% of cervical cancer, 70% of vaginal cancer and 50% of the vulvar cancer in women are protected by the vaccine. New research has found that the vaccine against human papillomavirus can also be used as important vaccine in boys ages 9 to 26 against genital warts. Actually, there were 90% cases in boys that had been protected by the vaccine.
The vaccine may not give complete protection for everyone or protect a person from getting the disease which is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus or HPV. Since it does not 100% prevent a person from getting the cancer, it is necessary for women especially to have regular cervical cancer screening. The vaccine does not treat genital warts or cancer; it is a prevention that requires three shots over the course of six months.
Genital human papillomavirus is passed through skin to skin contact during sexual intercourse. Most often, sexually active persons acquire the virus though they may not know that they are carrying the virus. The infection usually occurs when the person is in their late teen years up to early 20s. Most of the types of the virus do not manifest any symptoms and without knowing it, it disappears on its own but there are times that the virus is harmful that it can cause cancer of the cervix in women.
HPV vaccine is recommended on girls whose ages are 11 and 12 years old. It can also be given to girls from 13 and 26 years of age that have not been given the vaccination or have not completed the series of vaccine, likewise it can also be given to girls when they reach 9 years of age. Most often girls cannot complete the series of vaccine because they find it too painful.
The vaccine’s purpose is to prevent a person from getting the virus that commonly causes cervical cancer. Another type of vaccine protects a person from getting genital warts. Both types of vaccine are very effective in preventing certain type of human papillomavirus and the common problems that are caused by the virus. Generally, the vaccine is given to younger females before they become active in sex and haven’t been exposed to human papillomavirus. The vaccines given during this time will give the person great percent of protection compared to those who had the vaccine when they are already sexually active.
Research concluded that vaccines of this type is long lasting and won’t decrease its effectiveness through the years. Combined with regular screening of the cervix, the vaccine will give you extra protection against cervical cancer. There were reports that the vaccine can save at least 400 lives every year if they had the vaccine before they are exposed to human papillomavirus.