Protective vaccination against high-risk types of human papillomavirus. It is effective in preventing cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.
Indication
- Routine protection in girls and boys aged 9-26 (ideal age 11-12)
- Highest level of protection in adolescents who have not yet become sexually active
- Personalized risk-based recommendation in individuals aged 27-45
- Protection prior to immunosuppressive therapy
- Reduction of recurrence risk in those with a history of HPV-related pathology
- Reduction of anal/oropharyngeal cancer and genital wart risk in men
Preparation
- Vaccination is not postponed in the absence of an active febrile infection
- Allergy history (especially yeast allergy) is reviewed before vaccination
- Vaccination is postponed until after delivery during pregnancy
- If a previously started vaccine series exists, the record should be brought along
How it's performed
- An examination and assessment are performed before the vaccine is administered
- The upper arm (deltoid) area is cleaned with an antiseptic
- Gardasil-9 (9-valent HPV vaccine) is administered intramuscularly
- Two doses for those under 15 (months 0 and 6-12); three doses for those 15 and older (months 0, 2, and 6)
- After each administration, observation is maintained for 15 minutes
- The dose schedule is recorded on the card and a reminder is set
Post-procedure
- Redness or tenderness at the injection site may occur for 24-48 hours after vaccination
- Appointment reminder for the next dose date
- Vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening (Pap smear/HPV test)
- Routine gynecological examination and screening programs continue
- Reporting to a healthcare facility in case of suspected side effects
Risks
- Temporary pain, redness, swelling at the injection site (most common)
- Mild fever, headache, fatigue (resolves spontaneously within 1-2 days)
- Very rare allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Fainting after vaccination (especially in adolescents; prevented with 15 min observation)
- Does not treat a pre-existing HPV infection
FAQ
How many doses are needed?
Those who start before age 15 receive 2 doses (6-12 months apart); those aged 15 and older, as well as immunocompromised individuals, receive 3 doses (at 0, 2, and 6 months).
Can sexually active individuals get the vaccine?
Yes. It provides protection against HPV types the individual has not previously encountered. However, the highest protection is observed in those vaccinated before sexual activity begins.
Should boys also be vaccinated?
Yes. In males, it also reduces the risk of genital warts and anal/oropharyngeal cancers. It is also recommended for community immunity.
Is a Pap smear still needed after vaccination?
Yes, it is needed. Because the vaccine does not cover all HPV types, screening programs (Pap smear/HPV testing) are routinely continued in vaccinated women as well.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Colposcopy
Obstetrics Services
Colposcopy — magnified examination of the cervix, vagina and vulva.
Cervical biopsy
Obstetrics Services
Cervical biopsy — tissue sampling for early diagnosis of cervical cancer following an abnormal smear.
Pap Smear Test
Obstetrics Services
Pap smear test — a screening test for the early detection of cervical cancer.
Endometriosis Treatment
Obstetrics Services
Endometriosis treatment — combined medical and surgical planning for chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Obstetrics Services
Pelvic floor rehabilitation — an evidence-based muscle training program for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Ectopic pregnancy treatment
Obstetrics Services
Ectopic pregnancy treatment — medical (methotrexate) and surgical (salpingostomy/salpingectomy) options for a pregnancy implanted outside the uterus.
Vaginal Birth
Obstetrics Services
Vaginal birth — the safe, preferred method of delivery in suitable pregnancies, in which the baby is born through the birth canal.
Cesarean delivery
Obstetrics Services
Cesarean delivery — surgical delivery of the baby through the abdominal wall for medical reasons.