GARDASIL®9 is a vaccine that helps protect against infection from 9 types of HPV that can lead to certain cancers and diseases, such as cervical cancer, anal cancer and genital warts.
GARDASIL®9 has been available in Canada since 2015.
GARDASIL®* authorized in Canada for the prevention of infection caused by 4 HPV types in females aged 9–26
GARDASIL®* authorized to expand its use to males aged 9–26
GARDASIL®* authorized to expand its use to females aged 27–45
GARDASIL®9 authorized in Canada for the prevention of infection caused by 9 HPV types in females aged 9–45 and males aged 9–26
GARDASIL®9 authorized to expand its use to males aged 27–45 – so now it can be used in males and females aged 9 through 45
GARDASIL®9 is typically administered in 3 doses (and sometimes 2).
You get the GARDASIL®9 vaccine by a shot, usually in your arm. It’s typically given in 3 separate doses. All 3 doses should be given within a 1-year period. For girls and boys aged 9 to 14, it may be given in 2 separate doses. Talk to your healthcare professional (such as your doctor, nurse or pharmacist) for more information.
You and your healthcare provider choose a date
2 months after the 1st dose (not earlier than 1 month after the 1st dose)
For girls and boys aged 9 to 14, between 5 and 13 months after the 1st dose
6 months after the 1st dose (not earlier than 3 months after the 2nd dose)
For girls and boys aged 9 to 14, if the 2nd dose is given earlier than 5 months after the 1st dose, a 3rd dose should always be given
Your immune system makes antibodies against the 9 HPV types in the vaccine. If you’re exposed to one of these types, the antibodies may help defend against developing an infection and related diseases. However, GARDASIL®9 may not fully protect everyone who gets it.
Getting the HPV vaccine is an important step in helping to protect yourself against 9 types of HPV and the diseases associated with them, such as cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, anal cancer and genital warts. Now it’s time to start thinking about the other 2 doses!
Make sure to get the complete vaccine series: this will help you get the full benefits of GARDASIL®9.
You can get the HPV virus at any point in your life while sexually active. GARDASIL®9 can be administered in boys, men, girls and women 9–45 years of age.
If you are already sexually active, or have already had an HPV infection, you could still benefit from HPV vaccination.
Though GARDASIL®9 cannot treat an existing HPV infection, you can still benefit from GARDASIL®9 even if you are already infected with one type of HPV. If that HPV type is contained in the vaccine, GARDASIL®9 will still help protect you against the other eight types.
* GARDASIL® is no longer available/marketed in Canada.
In girls and women aged 9 through 45, GARDASIL®9 helps protect against cervical, vaginal, vulvar and anal cancers caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, abnormal and precancerous cervical lesions as found in a Pap test caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, abnormal and precancerous vaginal, vulvar and anal lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, and genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11. In boys and men aged 9 through 45, GARDASIL®9 helps protect against anal cancer caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, and abnormal and precancerous anal lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. It also helps protect boys and men aged 9 through 45 against genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11.
GARDASIL®9 does not treat HPV infection, cancer or prevent its complications. GARDASIL®9 may not fully protect each person who gets it. GARDASIL®9 does not remove the need for cervical cancer screening; women should still get routine cervical cancer screening. GARDASIL®9 is not recommended for use in pregnant women. As with other vaccines, GARDASIL®9 may cause some side effects and allergic reactions. The most common side effects seen are pain, swelling, redness, itching, bruising, bleeding, a lump where the shot is given, headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, diarrhea, abdominal pain and sore throat. This is not a complete list of side effects; for any unexpected effects while
taking GARDASIL®9, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional to if GARDASIL®9 is suitable for you.
Information about GARDASIL®9 is provided in the Product Monograph and Consumer Information, available here.
HPV=human papillomavirus.
