What strains of HPV does Gardasil 9 protect against?
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine that provides protection against nine different strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmitted infection. These nine strains include types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. [1] According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of these strains can cause cervical cancer, other types of cancer, and certain types of genital warts.
How effective is Gardasil 9 against HPV-related diseases?
Gardasil 9 has been shown to be highly effective in preventing the diseases caused by the targeted HPV strains. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the vaccine can prevent at least 90% of genital warts, and at least 97% of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers associated with the vaccine strains. [2] Additionally, Gardasil 9 has been shown to be effective in preventing genital lesions and anal cancer.
How does Gardasil 9 elicit an immune response?
Gardasil 9 contains a type of weakened or "inactive" virus that is not capable of causing disease. When administered to the body, the weakened virus stimulates an immune response, which helps the body to fight off the actual cancer-causing HPV virus. [3] Gardasil 9 is administered via intramuscular injection, with two doses given six to twelve months apart, and a booster dose given up to six years after the initial vaccinations.
Can Gardasil 9 provide protection against new HPV infections?
Yes, Gardasil 9 can provide protection against new HPV infections for at least 10 years after vaccination. [4] However, it is essential to note that the vaccine does not provide long-term immunity and protection against new HPV infections may decrease over time.
Who is Gardasil 9 recommended for, and when should it be given?
Gardasil 9 is recommended for individuals ages 9 to 26 years old. The vaccine is typically administered in a series of three doses, with the second dose given four weeks after the first dose, and the third dose given six to 12 months after the first dose.
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-7776971
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccine/gardasil9/patient/index.html
[3] https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00589789
[4] https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/data/impact/longterm-immunity.html
Sources:
1. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-7776971
2. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccine/gardasil9/patient/index.html
3. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00589789
4. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/data/impact/longterm-immunity.html