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More Information about the HPV Vaccine Gardasil at Doctor Today

The Gardasil HPV Vaccine

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a sexually transmitted disease associated with genital warts as well as a pre-disposition to cancer of the cervix in females.

What is Gardasil?

Gardasil, also known as Silgard, is a recombinant (artificially manufactured) HPV vaccine made by Sanofi-Pasteur and approved for use in the EU. The license approval covers use in children and adolescents aged 9 to 15 years and in adult females aged 16 to 26 years for the prevention of cervical cancer, high-grade cervical or vulvar dysplasias/ precancers as well as external genital warts (condylomata acuminate) caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. These are the commonest (but not the only) viruses associated with cancer of the cervix which kills thousands of women in the UK every year. HPV vaccination provides the best protection against HPV infection that is available for persons having unprotected sexual intercourse with a previously infected partner. The results of the infection are not always obvious, so unless the two partners are both virgins or abstinence is complete, vaccination is advised. Vaccinated persons are NOT protected against other forms of sexually transmitted infection and barrier methods such as condoms are still advised for both heterosexual and homosexual intercourse.

Note that HPV vaccination does not eliminate the need for regular cervical smear checks as (a) the infection may have been already acquired, and (b) not all viruses causing cancer are covered. Protection against the 4 type of virus lasts for at least 5 years after completing the full course which consists of three doses by intramuscular injection in the upper arm - usually given at 0, 2 and 6 months. Alternative schedules are possible but it is recommended there should be at least 1 month between the first and the second dose, and at least 3 months between the second and the third, and all doses should be given within one year.

Potential Side Effects

Side effects are very uncommon as this is NOT a live vaccine; they usually consist of no more than some redness and soreness at the site of the injection which lasts a few days. Very occasionally an allergic reaction may follow such as hives or urticaria. However, HPV vaccine should NOT be used in people who may be hypersensitive (allergic) to the active substance or any of the other ingredients; if a patient shows signs of an allergy after a dose of the vaccine, (s)he should not receive further doses of the vaccine. Vaccination should be postponed in patients who are ill with a high fever, also patients who are pregnant, as safety in pregnancy has not been fully assessed; however, vaccination is not contraindicated in breast feeding women. The vaccine may be given with Hep B vaccines but has not been cleared for co-administration with other vaccines.

In patients who are HIV positive or immuno-compromised for other reasons (e.g. taking strong arthritis medications such as methotrexate), the normal immune reaction may not be sufficient to prevent subsequent infection in spite of a full course. So although immunisation is not contraindicated in such individuals, it is wise not to assume full protection and repeat courses may be necessary.

Pricing Information

Each Gardasil injection costs £160 per dose (normal course three doses at 0, 2 and 6 months). A pre-booked complete three-dose course is available at a discounted price of £449 (see our full price list).

Further Information

For further information about Gardasil, see the Gardasil patient information leaflet and the Electronic Medicines Compendium entry for Gardasil.

Please do not hesitate to email us at enquiries@doctortoday.co.uk or call us on 020 7433 1444 if you have any further questions or wish to book your HPV vaccination course.