The Gardasil 9 vaccine, which has been approved for the prevention of certain cancers and diseases caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is now available at the Health Services Authority, the Public Health Department has announced.
Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, director of primary healthcare services at the HSA, in announcing the availability, encouraged those eligible for the vaccination to take advantage of the opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“We believe in the power of prevention, and the Gardasil 9 vaccine is a significant tool in reducing the burden of HPV-related cancers and diseases in our community,” Williams-Rodriguez said in a statement Tuesday.
In securing the vaccine, Williams-Rodriguez emphasised that ensuring the health and well-being of the community is a top priority.
“The availability of Gardasil 9 vaccine at our Public Health Department emphasizes our commitment to providing preventative measures against HPV-related diseases and cancers,” he said in a statement Tuesday.
HPV-related cancer prevention
The Gardasil 9 vaccine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the prevention of HPV-related cancers and diseases, according to a statement from Public Health.
“The vaccine is highly effective in protecting against HPV types that cause various cancers such as cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts,” the HSA statement added.
The Gardasil 9 vaccine is recommended for both males and females, ideally administered between the ages of 9 and 26.
“However, individuals up to age 45 may benefit from vaccination as well, depending on individual circumstances and discussions with their healthcare provider,” the statement added.
The Public Health Department is encouraging parents and guardians to speak with their healthcare providers about the importance of HPV vaccination for their children.
“Additionally, adults within the recommended age range are urged to discuss vaccination with their healthcare provider to determine if Gardasil 9 is right for them,” it added.
The CDC states that the most common side effects of the HPV vaccine are mild and do not last long.
Side effects include “pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given, fever, dizziness or fainting (fainting after any vaccine, including HPV vaccine, is more common among adolescents than others), headache or feeling tired, nausea and muscle or joint pain”.
To prevent fainting and injuries from fainting, the CDC recommends that adolescents be seated or lying down during vaccination and for 15 minutes after getting the shot.
“Very rarely, severe (anaphylactic) allergic reactions might occur after vaccination. People with severe allergies to any component of a vaccine should not receive that vaccine,” the CDC has advised.
It says that HPV vaccination works extremely well and has the potential to “prevent more than 90% of HPV-attributable cancers”.
For more information about the Gardasil 9 vaccine and vaccination services available at the Public Health Department, call 244-2648.
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