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Overview: Gardasil 9 is vaccine given to reduce the risk of certain cancers or abnormal tissue growth that could lead to cancer. It tells your body's immune system to make antibodies against 9 types of a virus known as HPV. Common side effects may include pain, swelling, redness, itching, bleeding, and a lump at the injection site, headache, fever, or dizziness. Gardasil 9 vaccination does not reduce the need for pap smears. You should still practice safe sex, as Gardasil 9 does not protect you from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Uses

What is Gardasil 9 used for?

Gardasil 9 (human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine) is commonly given to help prevent cancer of the anus, genital warts, or certain head and neck cancers. In girls and women, it is also used to prevent cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva, and abnormal tissue growth in these areas that can lead to cancer. These conditions are commonly caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Gardasil 9 helps protect people from these conditions caused by 9 different types of HPV.

How does Gardasil 9 work (mechanism of action)?

Gardasil 9 triggers the body’s natural immune response to make antibodies against 9 types of HPV. If you have antibodies against these viruses, your body is better able to fight them, which may help you from getting certain cancers and/or genital warts.

How should I store Gardasil 9?

Gardasil 9 is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Gardasil 9?

The most common side effects of Gardasil 9 are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, swelling, redness, itching, bleeding, and a lump at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Nausea or stomach pain
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of Gardasil 9 that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a vaccine. In the U.S., you can report side effects by filling out an online form at https://vaers.hhs.gov or by calling 800-822-7967. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Gardasil 9?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Gardasil 9 are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Gardasil 9 may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not get Gardasil 9?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive Gardasil 9.

  • Gardasil 9
  • Gardasil
  • Human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine
  • Yeast
  • Any of the ingredients in the specified product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Gardasil 9.

What should I know about Gardasil 9 before getting it?

Gardasil 9 is given as a shot in the arm or thigh as several doses separated by several months. Make sure you get all doses of Gardasil 9 that your health care provider recommends. Gardasil 9 helps protect you from certain cancers associated with 9 types of HPV infection. The vaccine will not give you disease caused by these viruses. 

Gardasil 9 vaccination does not reduce the need for cervical cancer screenings (Pap smears). Vaccinated people should practice safe sex, as Gardasil 9 does not protect from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or types of HPV you have not been exposed to. 

Your risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving Gardasil 9. Your health care provider may want to watch you for this time to ensure your safety.

A vaccine information sheet should be provided by your health care provider to you before each vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Gardasil 9?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Gardasil 9 is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Gardasil 9 may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before receiving Gardasil 9, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Cancer
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • A weak immune system 
  • Get infections easily

Pregnancy. It is unknown if or how Gardasil 9 could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is unknown if Gardasil 9 passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should receive Gardasil 9 while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Gardasil 9?

For more information about Gardasil 9, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.gardasil9.com or call them at 877-888-4231.

Interactions

Does Gardasil 9 interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Gardasil 9 and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Gardasil 9.

Does Gardasil 9 interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescriptions or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any medicines or treatments that suppress your immune system such as radiation, chemotherapy, or a corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions.  

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Gardasil 9. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Gardasil 9?

If you or someone else has used too much Gardasil 9, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Gardasil 9?

Keep all appointments to receive Gardasil 9. If you miss an appointment to get a dose of Gardasil 9, make another appointment as soon as possible. Your health care provider will let you know how many doses are needed.