Gardasil 9 (HPV vaccine)

Gardasil 9 immunises against the 9 strains of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58). 

HPV is a virus that is usually transmitted during sex, or skin to skin contact with the genitals. The virus itself is symptomless and can often be fought off by the body within a couple of years, but can lay dormant for as long as 20 years. In some cases the virus can turn into genital warts.  In other cases, the infected cells can begin to grow in an uncontrolled manner, which in turn can then become cancerous cells

The strains that Gardasil 9 protects you from are those that cause the majority of genital warts and cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina and cervix.

Gardasil 9 immunises against the 9 strains of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) that cause the majority of genital warts and cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina and cervix.

HPV is transmitted during sex, or skin to skin contact with the genitals.

The vaccine is made from proteins that mimic HPV. When the vaccine is given, the body responds by making antibodies to get rid of it. If you are then exposed to the real virus, those same antibodies prevent it from entering cells and creating an infection which can ultimately lead to warts or cancer. The vaccine does not contain any live virus, so it cannot cause cancer or other HPV-related illnesses.

If you’re not yet sexually active, Gardasil 9 can prevent up to 90% of genital warts and HPV related anogenital cancers (anus, vulva, vagina, cervix).

If you are already sexually active, Gardasil 9 can still reduce your chances of getting any of these conditions.

As Gardasil 9 does not offer 100% protection, we always advise women to have regular cervical smear tests (these detect early signs of cervical cancer).

Studies show that Gardasil 9 provides immunity for at least 8 years. It is likely that the protection lasts for much longer, but this is yet to be scientifically proven. Currently, a booster injection is not necessary.

Most patients experience no side effects. However, you may experience pain, redness, itching, bruising or swelling at the injection site, headache, dizziness, nausea, fever and tiredness. Any of these side effects should not last more than 2-3 days.

There are a few rare but serious side effects you need to know about before deciding to have the vaccine. These include difficulty breathing, encephalomyelitis (inflammation of the brain), Guillain-Barre Syndrome (rapid onset muscle weakness), and bleeding disorders.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include fainting, shortness of breath, sudden drop in blood pressure and swelling of the face and neck. This is extremely rare and typically happens within 10 minutes of receiving the injection. All LloydsPharmacy staff providing this vaccination service are fully trained in managing anaphylaxis, should it occur.

Both men and women can be prescribed Gardasil 9 through our service. Men will be protected from 90% of genital warts and anal cancer, while women will be additionally protected against certain strains of cancer affecting the vulva, vagina and cervix.

Yes, if you start your course of HPV vaccines when you’re 15 or over, you need to have all three doses to get the most protection. 

Young people who get vaccinated before the age of 15, only need two doses.