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Gardasil is a vaccine recently approved by the FDA (2006). The vaccine helps protect women from four main types of HPV, that have been linked with cervical cancer and genital warts (according to the Center for Disease Control).

Gardasil is recommended for use in women between ages nine and twenty six who are not yet sexually active. The vaccine may also help women who have had some sexual contact. Further research is currently underway to evaluate effectiveness in women above the age of 26. Most important is that the vaccine works best when the individual is not currently infected with any of the four strains of HPV. However, studies do show that when a women is infected with one strain of the virus, the vaccine helps to prevent contracting the other strains.

The vaccine is administered in a series of three shots over six months. The vaccine is covered by most major insurance companies and also by many federal health programs for children who have limited or no access to health care. Recent clinical trials show incidents of pain, swelling, erythema, headache, and pelvic inflammatory disease as possible side effects of the vaccine. According to Judicial Watch, three deaths (US) have been directly linked with Gardasil as well as serious side effects including:
* Pelvic pain
* Severe stomach pain
* Pain, swelling or stiffness in joints
* Pain, swelling, redness or itching at the injection site
* Mild fever
* Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach
* Dizziness
* Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough
* Muscle pain

The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, as not enough research has been conducted to evaluate the safety and effects of the vaccine on the fetus. The effectiveness with men has also not been thoroughly evaluated, so is not generally prescribed for men or young boys.

Women who have been vaccinated still need to get regular pap smears and cervical cancer screenings.

As with all new medications, individuals should discuss options, benefits and side effects/risks with their doctor.

Learn more about this author, E.D. Cameron.
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