Gardasil 9 Vaccine for HPV - An Overview

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is seen in association with a great deal of cancers in humans - carcinogenic viruses. There are several vaccines that are effective against human papillomavirus. Gardasil 9 is one such vaccine that safeguards against certain diseases caused by specific types of HPV.

What Is Human Papillomavirus?

Human papillomavirus is a cluster of viruses consisting of around 200 viruses. Among them, 40 viruses are responsible for the development of various sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In contrast, many others are linked with several cancers like cervical, penile, vaginal, anal, and oropharyngeal. Apart from cancers, it can also form certain spots that have the potential to give rise to cancer at a later age (precancerous spots). In addition, a couple of human papillomaviruses can give rise to genital warts.

What Is the Gardasil 9 Vaccine?

Gardasil 9 is the trade name of one of the most globally used HPV vaccines. The technical name of Gardasil 9 is ‘Human Papillomavirus 9 - valent vaccine.’ It is not available in any other brand name. It is basically a recombinant form of the vaccine. It provides defense against nine different HPV types, namely:

• HPV type 6,11- responsible for genital warts.

• HPV type 16,18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58- responsible for various cancers.

Is There Any Age and Gender Consideration for Gardasil 9 Vaccine?

Gardasil 9 vaccine is proven appropriate for males and females in the age group 9 to 45 years. In females, it is aimed at preventing cervical, anal, vulvovaginal, and oropharyngeal cancer, while in men, it mainly focuses on anal, head, and neck cancers.

What Are the Diseases for Which Gardasil 9 Extends Protection?

Gardasil 9 comes up with protection against a wide range of dreadful diseases. Some of them include the following:

• Cancers involving the cervix - cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical adenocarcinoma in situ.

• Cancers affecting the anus - anal intraepithelial neoplasia.

• Vulvovaginal cancers - vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.

• Cancers involving head and neck regions - oral and throat cancers.

• Precancerous lesions typically affect the anogenital areas.

• Genital warts - condyloma acuminata.

How Does the Vaccine Work?

A special technique called recombinant DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) technology is used to prepare inactive viral proteins of HPV. Those inactive proteins are then put together to form a structure that mimics the virus. Once this particle is introduced into the human body, the immune system recognizes it as a pathogen (disease-causing agent). As a result, the immune response will get triggered, eventually forming a specific antibody against the viral protein. However, as the introduced viral protein is inactive, it does not evoke any sort of infection in the body; simultaneously, the body gains immunity against the virus. In addition, an aluminum compound is incorporated into the vaccine to enhance the response.

What Constitutes the Gardasil Vaccine?

• Inactive viral proteins of HPV 6,11, 16,18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58.

• Yeast protein.

• Aluminum compound - Amorphous aluminum hydroxy phosphate sulfate.

• Histidine.

• Sodium chloride.

• Sodium borate.

• Polysorbate 80.

• Water.

How Is Gardasil 9 Vaccine Administered?

Gardasil 9 is administered in the form of shots into the muscles (intramuscular). It is routinely administered in the upper arm muscles. Generally, it is given in two or three injections based on the person's age. Children under the age category of 9 to 14 can go for either two or three shots. Adults are advised to take three doses. In a two-dose program, the first shot should be followed by a gap of 6 to 12 months for the second one, while in a three dose program, the first one should be followed by a gap of two months for the second dose, which is then followed by a four months gap for the final shot.

Two Shots Regimen:

Dose 1- first jab

Dose 2- 6 to 12 months after the first jab

Three Shots Regimen:

Dose1- first jab

Dose 2- 2 months after the first jab

Dose 3- 6 months after the first jab

Who Is Not Supposed to Take Gardasil 9 Vaccine?

Like other vaccines, Gardasil 9 also has certain contraindications (conditions in which the medicine or vaccine should not be given). For example, a person with a previous history of allergic reactions towards Gardasil and Gardasil 9 should not take this vaccine. In addition, yeast, polysorbate 80, and an aluminum compound are some of the active ingredients in the vaccine; hence anybody having an allergy to any of these compounds is advised not to take Gardasil 9 vaccine. Finally, Gardasil vaccines are not advised during pregnancy and lactation as they lack safety evidence.

What Are the Potential Side Effects Associated With Gardasil 9 Vaccine?

A range of side effects is reported with Gardasil 9 vaccine. Conventional side effects of the vaccine comprehend:

• Fever.

• Headache.

• Pain and associated swelling at the site of the jab.

• Dizziness.

• Nausea.

• Pain in the abdomen.

• Weakness.

• Throat pain.

• Vomiting.

• Hives.

Very rarely Gardasil 9 vaccine causes potential side effects like fainting and certain allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can be either mild or severe in intensity. The milder forms of allergic reactions are reflected as itching, redness, and rashes. A more severe allergy manifests in the form of swellings over the eyelids, lips, and other parts. Swelling under the tongue hinders the airway, leading to breathing difficulty.

Does Gardasil 9 Vaccine Show Any Interaction With Other Drugs?

When Gardasil is given to a patient under treatment with immunosuppressive medicines, then there are chances that the interaction of the drug with the vaccine results in a significant reduction in its effectiveness. While it does not flag much interaction with other vaccines like Menactra and Adacel. So it is safe to take these vaccines along with Gardasil 9.

Conclusion

Gardasil 9 vaccine provides immunity against nine different types of HPV through 3 doses of vaccine shots. Routinely Gardasil 9 is introduced intramuscularly in both males and females, including children from nine years onwards. Gardasil 9 is not a treatment intervention for HPV infection but a preventive strategy. It renders humoral immunity to the person. Grave complications are reported very rarely; hence it is advised as a safer vaccine.