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Elsevier
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AI-Generated response:

How long is gardasil effective?

Answer generated on June 4, 2024

The AI-generated responses are for illustration purposes only and should not be used for medical purposes.

Gardasil is effective for at least 8 to 10 years after vaccination, but the exact duration of immunity has not been fully established.[1]

  • Gardasil 9 provides immunity against nine HPV types, which are significant in preventing conditions like cervical cancer and genital warts.[1]

  • The vaccine shows no loss of protection within 8 to 10 years post-vaccination.[1]

  • It is crucial to continue routine Pap smears as the vaccine does not protect against all HPV types that may cause cervical cancer.[1]

  • The vaccine is most effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity, although it can still benefit those previously exposed to HPV.[1]

  • Gardasil 9 is FDA-approved for use in both females and males aged 9 to 45 years.[1]

Additional info

The Gardasil 9 vaccine is a critical tool in preventing certain types of HPV infections and their associated diseases, including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts. The vaccine's effectiveness over time is supported by data showing sustained immunity without significant loss for up to a decade after vaccination. However, the full duration of its protective effect remains to be conclusively determined, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and surveillance. This information is vital for healthcare providers to convey the benefits and limitations of the vaccine accurately, ensuring that patients adhere to recommended screening practices like Pap smears to manage risks associated with HPV types not covered by the vaccine.

References

Reference 1

1.

Elsevier ClinicalKey Drug Monograph

Content last updated: March 1, 2024.

Description Gardasil 9 (Gardasil 9) is a recombinant vaccine indicated for the prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and their associated diseases. It is only effective against the following 9 HPV types contained within the vaccine: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. HPV infections are sexually transmitted diseases that infect an estimated 14 million people (age 15 to 59 years) each year in the US; an estimated 79 million Americans are currently infected. There are over 150 HPV strains. Types 16 and 18 are considered high-risk as they have been associated with the development of anal cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and over 70% of all cervical cancers. Vaccination with HPV 9-valent vaccine protects against these oncogenic HPV types. However, routine Pap smears are still recommended because HPV strains other than 16 and 18 may cause cervical cancer and because not all vaccine recipients achieve immunity. Routine screening and early intervention are paramount for prevention as these strategies are proven to reduce cervical cancer rates and deaths. HPV types 6 and 11 are also pathogenic, causing more than 90% of condyloma acuminata (genital warts); HPV 9-valent vaccine provides immunity against these HPV types. The vaccine is only prophylactic and will not treat an active HPV infection. To offer the greatest protection, it is recommended to administer the vaccine prior to exposure (i.e., before onset of sexual activity). Patients with previous HPV exposure may still benefit from vaccination, although there is no evidence of protection from disease caused by the HPV types they are PCR positive or seropositive for at baseline. The duration of protection has not been clearly defined; data indicate no loss of protection 8 to 10 years after vaccination. The HPV 9-valent vaccine is FDA-approved for use in both females and males age 9 to 45 years. Children ages 9 to 12 years may receive routine vaccination, catch-up vaccination is recommended for adults and adolescents age 13 to 18 who have not initiated or completed the series, and routine vaccination is recommended for adults 19 to 26 years not previously vaccinated.

Description Human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9) is a recombinant vaccine indicated for the prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and their associated diseases. It is only effective against the following 9 HPV types contained within the vaccine: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. HPV infections are sexually transmitted diseases that infect an estimated 14 million people (age 15 to 59 years) each year in the US; an estimated 79 million Americans are currently infected. There are over 150 HPV strains. Types 16 and 18 are considered high-risk as they have been associated with the development of anal cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and over 70% of all cervical cancers. Vaccination with HPV 9-valent vaccine protects against these oncogenic HPV types. However, routine Pap smears are still recommended because HPV strains other than 16 and 18 may cause cervical cancer and because not all vaccine recipients achieve immunity. Routine screening and early intervention are paramount for prevention as these strategies are proven to reduce cervical cancer rates and deaths. HPV types 6 and 11 are also pathogenic, causing more than 90% of condyloma acuminata (genital warts); HPV 9-valent vaccine provides immunity against these HPV types. The vaccine is only prophylactic and will not treat an active HPV infection. To offer the greatest protection, it is recommended to administer the vaccine prior to exposure (i.e., before onset of sexual activity). Patients with previous HPV exposure may still benefit from vaccination, although there is no evidence of protection from disease caused by the HPV types they are PCR positive or seropositive for at baseline. The duration of protection has not been clearly defined; data indicate no loss of protection 8 to 10 years after vaccination. The HPV 9-valent vaccine is FDA-approved for use in both females and males age 9 to 45 years.

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