The Gardasil vaccine helps prevent transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV). Specifically, it targets HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Types 6 and 11 are the most common types of genital warts; types 16 and 18 are the most common types that lead to cancer. Gardasil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for girls and women ages 9 to 26, and is used only as preventative medicine and not as treatment for genital warts or cervical cancer. You should still be screened for cervical cancer even if you receive the shot. Like some other vaccines, Gardasil has many side effects associated with its administration.
Injection Site Reactions
Gardasil is given in a series of three doses. Once the first dose is given, a second dose follows two months later; the third dose is given six months from the first. The Gardasil shot is administered in 0.5 milliliter doses into the deltoid (upper arm) muscle or the thigh muscle. This has potential to cause several reactions at the injection site. About 25 percent of individuals will experience swelling, bruising, redness and rashlike bumps at the needle site. Pain after injection occurs in about 84 percent of patients. Contact your physician if any of these symptoms worsen.
Common Side Effects
About 2 percent to 4 percent of people experience vomiting and diarrhea after receiving a Gardasil injection. Up to 7 percent may experience nausea. Try eating small, frequent meals to avoid vomiting and diarrhea, and suck on hard candy or chewing gum for nausea. According to the "Drug Information Handbook," about 4 percent of people experience dizziness or drowsiness after a dose of the vaccine. If these side effects occur, avoid operating a vehicle or heavy machinery.
Fainting
Gardasil can spur fainting, a side effect that occurs more commonly in preteens. Girls and women should sit or lie down for about 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to prevent a fall and to avoid an injury.
Fever and Headache
Headache affects about 28 percent of people who receive the Gardasil vaccine. Signs of a fever, which can include headache, may occur in about 10 percent to 13 percent of patients after administration of the vaccine. These signs do not indicate an infection.
References
- Gardasil: Gardasil Side Effects
- "Drug Information Handbook 15th Edition"; Charles F. Lacy, RPh, PharmD, FCSHP, Lora L. Armstrong, RPh, PharmD, BCPS, et al; 2006
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; HPV Vaccine Information For Young Women
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