Gardasil

Kristin Heydorn ** Gardasil  ** ** What is Gardasil? ** Gardasil is currently the only vaccine that has been approved to protect against human papillomavirus, or simply abbreviated HPV.There are actually over 100 strains of HP  V.Many of these strains of HPVare sexually transmitted, that is spread through sexual intercourse. (CDC, 2010) The Gardasil vaccineis able to effectively protect against 4 very prevalent and serious strains of HPV.These 4 particular types of HPV infections result in: genital warts, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, and anal cancer. (Drugs.com, 2010)HPV is responsible for about 90 percent of genital wart cases in females and males, for about 75 percent of cervical cancer cases in females, for about 70 percent of vaginal cancer maryvancenc.com in females, and lastly, for about 50 percent of vulvar cancer cases in females. (Gardasil.com, 2010) If you are sexually active, condoms may lower the riskof HPV infection.However, HPV can infect areas that cannot be covered by a condom, so condoms cannot fully protect against HPV.Therefore, doctors recommend the Gardasil vaccine be given even in situations where condoms are consistently used. (CDC, 2010) Gardasil can be initiated as early as the age of 9, however it is commonly recommended that girls be given the vaccination between the ages of 11 and 12 years old. Gardasil is most effective if given prior to the initiation of sexual activity. (Iannelli, 2010) Although Gardasil is more routinely given to females, the Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine for boys and young men between the ages of 9 and 26 to help protect against the spread of genital warts. (Gardasil.com, 2010) ** What is cervical cancer? ** Cervical cancer is the most severe and deadly result of HPV.Many people refer to Gardasil as the “cervical cancer shot,” because that is how it is best known and what it is most often associated with. It should be noted that Gardasil prevents but does not treat cervical cancer that already exists. (American Cancer Society, 2008) The majority of all cervical cancers are a result of an HPV infection.Risk factors for HPV and cervical cancer include having sex at an early age, having multiple sexual partners, or having sexual partners who have multiple partners or participating in high-risk sexual activities.Another group of people who are at risk, are women with low incomes.This is because they may not be able to afford the medical help needed to have a pap smear, or the Gardasil vaccine, or other necessary preventive care.Cervical cancer is the third most prevalent type of cancer among women.However, death from cervicalcancer is less common in the United States than other countries because of early detection as a result of the routine use of pap smears.Cervical cancers start in the cells on the surface of the cervix, and develop very slowly.If a pap smear does not detect it, it can spread to the bladder, intestines, lungs, and the liver. (PubMed Health, 2010) Despite the use of the HPV vaccination, women should continue with routine cervical cancer screening to provide early detection. (American Cancer Society, 2008) ** How is Gardasil given? ** Gardasil is given as an injection (a shot) into a muscle in the upper arm or thigh.This injection should be given in either a doctor’s office or a clinic setting.Gardasil is given in a series of 3 shots.As previously stated, the first shot can be given as early as 9 years of age, and should not be given after the indiv  idual has reached the age of 26 years old. After receiving the first shot between the ages of 9 and 26, the individual will receive the second dose 2 months after the first shot.Then, the third dose will be given 6 months after the first shot was injected.If the individual fails to receive all three shots in the proper time periods, Gardasil may not be fully effective in preventing HPV. (Drugs.com, 2010) The cost of the three-part Gardasil vaccination is typically in the range of $400.00. This may or may not be covered by insurance depending on the particular policy. (Gardasil.com, 2010) Gard asil is part of the Vaccine for Children Program. This program provides free vaccines for qualified children under the age of 18. (Gardasil.com, 2010) Before beginning the Gardasil treatment process, it is important to share all relevant information with the treating doctor regarding a fever, or any signs of infection.It is best to begin the Gardasil process while feeling healthy.The doctor should be made aware of any issues or concerns regarding a weakened immune system, and of any regularly scheduled medications, such as blood thinners that are currently being taken. (Drugs.com, 2010) ** Side Effects of Gardasil ** Gardasil does include some side effects, but for the most part they go away quickly, or can be treated easily.Common sides of Gardasil include “pain, swelling, itching, bruising, and redness at the injection site.” (Gardasil.com, 2010)However, these effects are not unique to the Gardasil shot, and are common side effects of any injection given in the arm or thigh.Additionally some individuals experience fever, nausea, and dizziness. A more severe side effect of Gardasil is fainting, which can happen almost immediately after receiving the Gardasil injection.Therefore, most health care professionals will ask the client to sit or lie down for up to 15 minutes after receiving this shot.If fainting occurs, it is possible that the individual will also feel stiff or sore the next day. Even less common, possible bruises or stitches could occur if a client were to hit a body part while falling as the result of a fainting incident. (Gardasil.com, 2010) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or simply CDC, and the FDA have determined that Gardasil is a safe and effective vaccine.They noted that, “its benefits continue to outweigh its risks.” (CDC and FDA)In August of 2009, the CDC reconfirmed that they recommend the vaccination to all females, and then in October of 2009, the FDA approved the vaccine for boys and young men in order to protect against the spread of genital warts.(Gardasil.com, 2010) American Cancer Society Recommendations for HPV Vaccine Use. (2008) // American Cancer Society //. Retrieved from [] Cervical Cancer. (2010) // PubMed Health //. Retrieved from [] Gardasil. (2010) // Drugs.com //. Retrieved from [] Human Papillomavirus. (2010) // Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. //Retrieved from [] Iannelli, V. (January, 2010) Gardasil. // About.com. // Retrieved from [] Learn About Gardasil. (2010) Gardasil.com. Retrieved from []
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