HPV Vaccine

HPV vaccines have the potential for preventing cervical cancer. A new vaccine called Gardasil offers protection from the virus that causes most cervical cancers by blocking the infection. The drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2006.

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Routine vaccination is recommended for girls and women ages 11 to 26 if they have not already received the vaccine. Giving the vaccine in the 11-to-12 age range activates the girls' immune systems before they are sexually active--which means before they come into contact with HPV.

Higher antibody (protein) levels also are needed to help produce a response to the vaccine that will help protect girls against the virus. It is most effective if given before girls become sexually active. Three doses of the vaccine are given by injection during a six-month period. You receive the first dose followed two months later by the second dose. Six months after you receive the first dose, you receive the third dose.

The most common side effect associated with the vaccine is soreness at the injection site (upper arm), and mild fever or flulike symptoms also have been reported.