GARDASIL

Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant


More For Parents

You do everything you can for your child, and if he or she is still at the age where you’re making his or her health care decisions, this section is for you. It’s not too early to be thinking about a vaccine that could help protect your child against consequences of human papillomavirus (HPV). In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination with GARDASIL for girls ages 11 to 12, and for young women ages 13 through 26 who have not already been vaccinated. The CDC states that GARDASIL can be given to boys and young men ages 9 through 26, if you and the doctor decide it’s right for your son.

If your child is in his or her late teens or 20s, take a look around the rest of this site for information you can share with him or her.

Talk to Your Doctor or Healthcare Professional.
  1. HPV and
    your Child
    Find out how HPV can affect your child’s future health.
    Learn About HPV
  2. HELP PROTECT
    YOUR CHILD WITH GARDASIL
    See why GARDASIL
    might be right for your
    son or daughter.
    Know the Facts
  3. Common Questions
    Answered for
    Parents
    Get answers to some of
    the most common
    questions parents have
    about GARDASIL.
    Get the Answers
  4. QUESTIONS FOR
    YOUR CHILD’S
    DOCTOR
    Get the conversation
    started with your child’s
    doctor or health care
    professional.
    Start the Conversation

INFORMATION ABOUT GARDASIL

GARDASIL is the only human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of HPV. In girls and young women ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 2 types of HPV that cause about 75% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. In boys and young men ages 9 to 26, GARDASIL helps protect against 90% of genital warts cases.

GARDASIL also helps protect girls and young women ages 9 to 26 against 70% of vaginal cancer cases and up to 50% of vulvar cancer cases.

GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone, nor will it protect against diseases caused by other HPV types or against diseases not caused by HPV. GARDASIL does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it’s important for women to continue routine cervical cancer screenings. GARDASIL does not treat cancer or genital warts. GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of GARDASIL, including those severely allergic to yeast, should not receive the vaccine. GARDASIL is not for women who are pregnant.

The side effects include pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and fainting. Fainting can happen after getting GARDASIL. Sometimes people who faint can fall and hurt themselves. For this reason, your health care professional may ask you to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after you get GARDASIL. Some people who faint might shake or become stiff. This may require evaluation or treatment by your health care professional.

Only a doctor or health care professional can decide if GARDASIL is right for you or your child.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Patient Product Information or the Prescribing Information for GARDASIL.





This site is intended only for residents of the United States, its territories, and Puerto Rico.
GARDASIL is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.
20950185(13)-01/10-GRD