Gardasil® and Gardasil 9® HPV Vaccine: Uses, Dosing, and Safety

What Gardasil®/Gardasil 9® Is and How It Works

Gardasil/Gardasil 9 are human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines that help protect against HPV-related cancers and genital warts. If you are comparing Gardasil/Gardasil 9 price, this page explains use, dosing, storage, and savings. Many people also look for options without insurance, and cross-border pharmacy pricing can lower out-of-pocket costs.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

Gardasil 9 is the current 9-valent vaccine that covers HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. It works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against these types. Vaccination is preventive. It does not treat existing HPV infection or disease. The vaccine is given as an intramuscular injection, usually in the deltoid muscle, by a healthcare professional.

Indications include prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and certain oropharyngeal cancers caused by HPV types covered by the vaccine, and prevention of genital warts (HPV 6 and 11). Eligibility and schedules depend on age and prior immunization status. A prescription is required in most settings.

We partner with licensed, vetted international pharmacies to supply authentic brand vaccines with broad availability and competitive pricing.

For education on HPV and related conditions, see our condition page Hpv.

Dosage and Usage

• Schedule by age: ages 9–14 years typically receive 2 doses at 0 and 6–12 months; ages 15 and older typically receive 3 doses at 0, 1–2, and 6 months.
• If the schedule is interrupted, remaining doses are given as soon as possible; series does not need to be restarted.
• Route: intramuscular injection in the deltoid or anterolateral thigh; do not inject intravascularly, intradermally, or subcutaneously.
• Administration is performed by a trained healthcare professional. Observe for syncope risk after vaccination.
• Missed appointment: reschedule the next dose; complete the series to maximize protection.
• Pre-filled presentations are single-dose; do not mix with other vaccines in the same syringe.

• Store your vaccine in the refrigerator at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
• Keep the carton closed until use. If exposed to freezing, do not use.
• For travel, use an insulated container with gel packs. Keep vials/syringes off the ice packs to avoid freezing.
• Minimize time out of refrigeration. Return to 2–8°C as soon as practicable.
• Do not shake vigorously; gently invert if instructed by the label before administration.
• Use prompt, express, cold-chain shipping when ordering to maintain temperature control.

Benefits and Savings

Gardasil 9 helps prevent infection with the HPV types most commonly linked to cervical cancer and several other anogenital cancers. It also reduces the risk of genital warts. Broad type coverage and a well-studied safety profile make it a preferred option in many programs. Completing the series provides the strongest and most durable protection.

Buying from a Canadian pharmacy can offer substantial value. Many patients report 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Those paying without insurance often find multi-dose purchases reduce the per-dose cost. Reorder reminders can help keep multi-dose schedules on track and avoid missed milestones.

To check current offers, see Gardasil/Gardasil 9 coupon details on our promotions page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
• Headache or dizziness
• Fever, fatigue, or malaise
• Nausea or vomiting
• Myalgia and arthralgia
• Syncope (fainting), usually brief and around the time of injection

Serious reactions are rare but can include severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Do not vaccinate individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine (including yeast) or who had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose. The prefilled syringe tip cap may contain natural rubber latex; consider latex sensitivity. Postpone vaccination during moderate or severe acute illness. Vaccination is generally deferred during pregnancy; discuss timing after pregnancy with a clinician.

Onset Time

Antibody responses begin to rise within a few weeks after the first dose. Initial protection develops after dose one and strengthens with subsequent doses. For the two-dose schedule, protective responses are expected after the second dose at 6–12 months. For the three-dose schedule, peak responses occur after the third dose at 6 months. The vaccine prevents new infections and does not clear existing HPV.

Compare With Alternatives

Gardasil 9 is the most comprehensive HPV vaccine currently in wide use, covering nine HPV types. Earlier quadrivalent Gardasil offered protection against four types (6, 11, 16, 18) but has largely been replaced by the 9-valent version.

Cervarix (bivalent) targets HPV 16 and 18, key oncogenic types, and was used primarily for prevention of cervical cancer. Coverage is narrower than Gardasil 9, and availability varies by country. For a broader overview of the condition area, visit our Hpv page.

Screening (such as Pap tests and HPV testing) remains important. Vaccination complements, not replaces, routine screening as recommended by national guidelines.

Combination Therapy

• Co-administration with other vaccines (e.g., Tdap, meningococcal, hepatitis B, MMR) at the same visit may be considered; use separate syringes and injection sites.
• Do not mix Gardasil 9 with other products in the same syringe or vial.
• If receiving multiple injections, observe for syncope and have seated or supine observation after vaccination.
• Analgesics or antipyretics may be used for post-vaccination symptoms if advised by a clinician.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are adolescents and adults within labeled age ranges who have not completed an HPV vaccination series. Those previously vaccinated with fewer doses may complete the series with Gardasil 9. Individuals with a history of severe allergy to vaccine components, including yeast, should not receive it. People with latex sensitivity should note the tip-cap material of certain presentations.

Vaccination is generally postponed during pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not a contraindication. People with mild illness can often be vaccinated; those with moderate to severe illness should wait until recovery. As with any vaccine, protection is not 100%, and continued routine screening is recommended.

To reduce costs, consider a multi-dose purchase to lower the per-dose price. Sign up for reorder reminders so the second and third doses are on hand when needed. If paying without insurance, compare total series costs, including shipping, and ask your clinic about administration fees so you can plan the full out-of-pocket budget.

Authoritative Sources

Review detailed product information from the manufacturer: Merck Gardasil 9 product page. Canadian regulatory details are available in the Health Canada Drug Product Database. For US labeling and safety, see the FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

Order Gardasil®/Gardasil 9® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination decisions.