Our office has the vaccine that may help guard you against cervical cancer and genital warts. It's called GARDISIL and may be the only vaccine that will help protect against diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) Types 6,11,16, and 18:
Cervical cancer
Cervical abnormalities that can sometimes lead to cervical cancer
Genital warts
HPV Types 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and HPV Types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts cases.
Help Protect Yourself Today Gardisil is for girls and young women ages 9 to 26. GARDISIL works when given before you have any contact with HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18. If you've already been infected with HPV, you may still benefit from GARDISIL, because it is unlikely that you have been infected with all four types of the virus covered by the vaccine. That's why we feel it's important for you to know about this vaccine now. What are cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, and genital warts? Cancer of the cervix is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. This disease is caused by certain HPV types that can cause the cells in the lining of the cervix to change from normal to precancerous lesions. If these are not treated, they can turn cancerous. Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV. They often appear as skin-colored growths. They are found on the inside or outside of the genitals. They can hurt, itch, bleed, and cause discomfort. These lesions are usually not precancerous. Sometimes, it takes multiple treatments to eliminate these lesions. What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)? HPV is a common virus. In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 20 million people in the United States had this virus. There are many different types of HPV; some cause no harm. Others can cause diseases of the genital area. For most people the virus goes away on its own. When the virus does not go away it can develop into cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type. Who is at risk for Human Papillomavirus? In 2005, the CDC estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV during their lifetime. A male or female of any age who takes part in any kind of sexual activity that involves genital contact is at risk. Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. This means that they can pass on the virus to others and not know it.
How is GARDISIL given? GARDISIL is given as an injection. You or your child will receive 3 doses of the vaccine. Ideally the doses are given as:
First dose: at a date you and your health care professional choose.
Second dose: 2 months after the first dose.
Third dose: 6 months after the first dose.
Make sure that you or your child gets all three doses to get the full benefits of the GARDISIL. You should not get the vaccine if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
If you would like more information, please talk to your health care professional or visit www.GARDISIL.com.
