What is Gardasil 9?
Gardasil is a vaccine that protects against the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes genital warts, cervical cancer, and other types of cancer. Gardasil 9 is a new version of the previous Gardasil 4 that now prevents infection by nine strains of HPV. It is important that Gardasil not be viewed as merely a protection against a sexually transmitted disease; we need to look at it as a vaccine that is proven to prevent cervicalcancer. Anyone who has encountered a cancer diagnosis or had a family member diagnosed with cancer would want to do whatever they can to prevent themselves or their children from developing any type of cancer in the future.
As the mother of a young daughter, I know that once she reaches the age of vaccination, I will say yes to vaccination against HPV.
HPV vaccination is recommended for 11- and 12-year-old girls. It is also recommended for girls and women (ages 13–26 years) who have not yet been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series.
If you or your child has not already received the Gardasil vaccine, schedule an appointment to discuss the vaccine’s risks and benefits with your provider.
Jenna Grimm, WHNP-BC