What is Gardasil?

An overview about this revolutionary new vaccine

Gardasil is a revolutionary new vaccine that has been specifically developed to prevent most types of cervical cancer, which is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervical Cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer (after breast cancer) among young women (15 to 44 years) in Europe.

Millions of vaccines have already been given in Europe and America.

In susceptible individuals, infection can cause abnormalities in the cells of the lining of the cervix such that they begin to multiply out of control to form pre-cancerous warts which can then develop into tumours.

Gardasil provides effective protection against 70% of cervical cancers.

HPV is extremely commonplace and whilst not everyone suffers adverse reactions, more than 50% of the population carry or have at some time been infected by an HPV. Sexual contact is the primary method of transmission.

Other symptoms of HPV infection can include genital warts, which are usually benign, but on rare occasions can turn malignant, causing vulval, vaginal, penile and anal cancer. Benign genital warts can cause discomfort and bleeding during intercourse, and treatment by laser can be difficult and painful. Gardasil protects against 90% of genital warts.

For maximum protection, the optimum time to administer the vaccination is before commencement of sexual activity, although risk of infection persists as long as a woman remains sexually active.

Gardasil is recommended for use in 9 to 26 year old females. However, it can also be given to women over 26 with a prescription.

Following approval of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the government has given the go ahead for a Gardasil school programme for all girls aged 12. The scheme is unlikely to become available until September 2008.