Questions and Answers

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions:

How many injections do I need?

The vaccination course is for three doses, the second and third injection being given at two and six months after the first injection.

Does the vaccine stop all forms of cervical cancer?

The Human Papilloma Virus has more than 100 different types. Gardasil protects against types 6. 11, 16 and 18. These are the four most common types, accounting for approximately 70% of cervical cancers [types 16 and 18] and 90% of genital warts cases (type 6 and 11 ).

Will I still need to have cervical smears?

Yes. Gardasil prevents around 70% of cervical cancers. However, about 30% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV types not covered by Gardasil, which reinforces the importance of regular smear tests for early detection and cure.

If I have already been exposed to one of the four types of HPV covered by Gardasil, will I still benefit from vaccination?

Yes. Immunity will develop against the other three HPV types.

Will Gardasil help me if I am older than the current recommended age group?

Whilst early clinical trials focussed on the 9 to 26 year old age group, more recent ongoing studies suggest similar benefits for older women, depending on sexual history. The risk of prior exposure to the virus is linked to number of sexual partners rather than age. Treatment for those aged 27 and over can be arranged on a named patient prescription basis.

Will Gardasil help if I have developed cervical cancer already?

No. Vaccination is designed to protect your cells against initial HPV infection which ultimately can lead to abnormal pre-malignant cells and cancer.

Can I pass the virus to other people I come into contact with after I have been vaccinated?

No. Gardasil is a non infectious recombinant vaccine. In other words, it does not contain any live virus, but consists of virus like particles which stimulate the same immune response as the live virus.