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GARDASIL – ANTI CERVICAL CANCER JAB
Gardasil is a revolutionary new anticervical cancer vaccine that has been specifically developed to prevent most types of cervical cancer, which is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer (after breast cancer) among young women (15 to 44 years) in Europe.
In susceptible individuals, infection can cause abnormalities in the cells of the lining of the cervix such that they begin to multiply out of control to form pre-cancerous warts, which can then develop into tumours. Gardasil is a cervical cancer vaccine that provides effective anticervical cancer protection against 70% of cervical cancers.
HPV is extremely commonplace and whilst not everyone suffers adverse reactions, more than 50% of the UK population carry or have at some time been infected by an HPV. Sexual contact is the primary method of transmission.
Other symptoms of HPV infection can include genital warts, which are usually benign, but on rare occasions can turn malignant, causing, vulval, vaginal, penile and anal cancer. Benign genital warts can cause discomfort and bleeding during intercourse, and treatment by laser can be difficult and painful. Gardasil protects against 90% of genital warts.
For maximum protection, the optimum time to administer the cervical cancer vaccine is before commencement of sexual activity, although risk of infection persists for as long as a woman remains sexually active.
Gardasil’s manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur, has licensed the anticervical cancer vaccine for use in 9 to 26 year old females. However, the cervical cancer jab can also be given to women over 26 with a prescription. The clinic’s policy is to offer the cervical cancer jab vaccine to all girls and women aged 12 and over.
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions:
How many cervical cancer jab s / injections do I need?
The anticervical cancer vaccination course is for three doses, the second and third injection being given at two and six months after the first injection.
Does the vaccine stop all forms of cervical cancer?
The Human Papilloma Virus has more than 100 different types. The Gardasil cervical cancer jab protects against types 6, 11, 16 and 18. These are the four most common types, accounting for approximately 70% of cervical cancers (types 16 and 18) and 90% of genital warts cases (type 6 and 11).
Will I still need to have cervical smears?
Yes. Gardasil, the anticervical cancer vaccine prevents around 70% of cervical cancers. However, about 30% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV types not covered by Gardasil, which reinforces the importance of regular smear tests for early detection and cure.
If I have already been exposed to one of the four types of HPV covered by Gardasil, will I still benefit from vaccination?
Yes. Immunity will develop against the other three HPV types.
Will Gardasil help me if I am older than the current recommended age group?
Yes. The earlier the vaccination is given, the less chance there is of prior exposure to HPV. However, exposure to HPV infection may not occur until after 26, so the Gardasil cervical cancer jab could be very beneficial for older women. This can be arranged through our clinics on a named patient prescription basis.
Will Gardasil help if I have developed cervical cancer already?
No. The cervical cancer vaccine is designed to protect your cells against initial HPV infection which ultimately can lead to abnormal pre-malignant cells and cancer.
Can I pass the virus to other people I come into contact with after I have been vaccinated?
No. Gardasil is a non infectious recombinant cervical cancer vaccine. In other words, it does not contain any live virus, but consists of virus like particles which stimulate the same immune response as the live virus.
What are the side effects?
About 1 in 10 people suffer minor side effects, which can include discomfort, swelling and redness at the injection site, and a fever. Occasionally, there can be some itching. Rarely, allergic skin rashes and a wheezy chest have occurred.
Are there any contra-indications to vaccination?
Gardasil should not be administered to anyone with a weakened immune system, any bleeding disorder, any allergy to Gardasil’s ingredients or a previous allergic reaction after Gardasil injection.
Gardasil should not be given to anyone with a high fever. Please note that a mild fever, cough or cold are not valid reasons to delay vaccination.
It is inadvisable to administer Gardasil during pregnancy and we will decline to treat anyone who is known to be pregnant or trying to conceive. It can be given in breast feeding women.
Licensing
Gardasil was licensed in the USA and Australia in June 2006 and received UK approval in September 2006. The licence is for use in 9 – 26 year olds as this is the age group in which clinical trials were performed. However it can be given to adults over 26 on a named patient prescription basis.
The trend in the USA and Australia has been for the government to introduce vaccination for all 11 and 12 year olds. As yet, the NHS has not made any announcements on whether it will offer the vaccine and to whom. As the virus can be contracted at all ages, we recommend vaccination for all women.
How do I book an appointment?
Just call your nearest Immunisation and Medical Centre (see front page) and we will book your 3 appointments.
Fee Payable for Gardasil
Registration* £ 50.00
First Vaccination £140.00
Second Vaccination £140.00
Third Vaccination £140.00
* This is not payable if you or your child has registered as a patient with us previously.
Relevant search terms = anticervical cancer , cervical cancer vaccine and cervical cancer jab
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