Gardasil, a vaccine that is approved for females and males ages nine to 26, protects against four strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Virginia Women’s Center was the only research site in the Richmond area involved in the clinical trial leading to the approval of the Gardasil vaccine in 2006. In females, Gardasil helps protect against the two types of HPV that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases and two additional types that cause 90 percent of genital warts cases. In males, Gardasil helps protect against 90 percent of genital warts cases.
Gardasil is ideally given to patients before they become sexually active. The vaccine is given in three shots over a period of six months. Routine vaccination is recommended for boys and girls at age 11-12. However, it is also recommended for older teens and young adults who were not vaccinated when younger.
Learn more: http://www.virginiawomenscenter.com/blog/gynecology/encouraging-decline-in-hpv-rates/
