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What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving human papillomavirus vaccine (Gardasil)?

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor if you have:

• high fever, or signs of infection;
• a weak immune system;
• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia; or
• if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, you should not receive HPV vaccine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before you have received all doses of this vaccine.

It is not known whether HPV vaccine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this vaccine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

HPV vaccine will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

HPV quadrivalent vaccine will not prevent diseases caused by HPV types other than types 6, 11, 16, and 18. There are over 100 different types of HPV.

How is human papillomavirus vaccine given (Gardasil)?

HPV vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle in your upper arm or thigh. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.

HPV quadrivalent vaccine is given in a series of 3 shots. You may have the first shot at any time as long as you are between the ages of 9 and 26 years old. Then you will need to receive a second dose 2 months after your first shot, and a third dose 6 months after your first shot.

Be sure to receive all doses of this vaccine recommended by your healthcare provider or your state's health department. You may not be fully protected if you do not receive the full series.

HPV vaccine should not be used in place of having a routine pelvic exam and Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.

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