GARDASIL (Human Papilloma Virus) VACCINE

Cervical cancer is the second most commonest cancer of women worldwide with approximately 500,000 new cases and 270,000 deaths annually. In the UK there were 80,000 new cases of genital warts seen in genito-urinary clinics in 2006. The rates being highest in men and women under 24 years old.

Gardasil is the first vaccine designed and proven to prevent a major cancer. It works by stimulating the body to produce immunity against four types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), types 6,11,16 and 18. HPV is a virus , of which there are over 100 types, which is spread by genital or sexual contact. The infection affects the genital areas and can often go unnoticed and sometimes causes no harm. The virus can however cause changes in cells (dysplasia) and can result in:

  • Genital warts
  • Cervical cancer
  • High-grade cervical dysplasia
  • High-grade vulval dyspasia

HPV type 16 is resonsible for more than 50% of cervical cancers and the 18 type for more than 15%. HPV 6 and 11 cause over 90% of all genital warts.

How it works

Gardasil contains HPV proteins produced by DNA technology. It causes the production of antibodies directed at the above 4 types of HPV. The vaccine itself is not infectious and does not cause the actual HPV diease in people who have been vaccinated or their sexual contacts. It has been shown in a large population study to prevent infection from these 4 virus types and thereby protect from the complications of warts and cervical cancer. The evidence has been impressive enough for the vaccine to be fully licensed and approved in the USA and UK. It does not however treat already established disease or infection.

Who can have it

At present Gardasil is licensed for girls and women from 9 to 26 years of age. The earlier immunisation takes place the better, ideally before becoming sexually active and risking HPV infection.

Women who are already sexually active will also benefit as they may not have caught all 4 types of HPV as yet. In addition Gardasil can be given to breast feeding women.

The vaccine is not yet licensed for males.

Who shouldn't have it

If you have any of the following it is advisable to talk to us first regarding the suitability of receiving the vaccine.

  • Allergy or hypensitivity to any of the active ingedients
  • Suffering from an acute severe illness with fever ( a normal cough or cold is ok)
  • Pregnant or likely to be pregnant
  • Seek advice if taking any regular medications that could affect your immune system
  • Seek advice if you have a bleeding disorder.

Side effects

Gardasil vaccination is generally well tolerated but there are a few side effects which may happen:

  • About 10% of recipients can get a high temperature (fever) or redness, pain or swelling at the site of the injection.
  • 1% of people may get itching or bleeding at the site.
  • Rarer complications can include urticaria, joint pain and brochospasm (like a asthma attack).

Vaccination course

Gardasil needs to be injected into the muscle (usually the upper arm) 3 doses are required at the following intervals

  • The first dose
  • Second dose 2 months later
  • Third dose 6 months after the first dose.

Further booster doses may be required 5 to 10 years later. There is continuing research to decide if this will be necessary.

Important

Gardasil does NOT replace regular cervical screening and practical measures to prevent infection (safe sex) such as condoms etc.

More information available at    www.spmsd.co.uk