GARDASIL®

PAP tests CAN HELP SAVE LIVES

Having regular Pap testsPap testA Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is part of the gynecological exam and helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have a chance to become precancers or cervical cancer.
See Full Glossary is one of the best ways to help protect against cervical cancer in the future (through early detection). A Pap test can’t diagnose HPV. But it can look for abnormal cells (that may be caused by HPV) in the lining of the cervix before the cells become precancersPrecancersPrecancers are highly abnormal cervical cells that have a high likelihood of becoming cervical cancer.
See Full Glossary or cancer.

According to Health Canada, continued and regular Pap tests are important because HPV can be active years after an infection has occurred, and not all abnormal Pap test results are caused by HPV infections. For the same reason, women who are in a monogamous relationship who may feel that their risk for HPV is low should also have regular Pap tests. Speak with a healthcare professional to see what is recommended for you.

For girls who are not old enough for a Pap test, regular wellness visits are a good way to start lifelong, healthy habits.

GARDASIL® HELPS PROTECT AGAINST DISEASES

CAUSED BY 4 TYPES OF HPV

HPV vaccination has been supported by the following Canadian medical associations:

• The National Advisory Committee on Immunization
• The Canadian Paediatric Society
• The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
• Federation of Medical Women of Canada
• The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of Canada

You want to do everything you can to help protect yourself from HPV infection. Getting vaccinated with GARDASIL® is one way to help prevent some types of HPV infection, and the diseases associated with these types. GARDASIL® is the only HPVHPVHPV stands for human papillomavirus, a common virus that affects both females and males. There are more than 100 types of HPV and most often it does not cause any symptoms and goes away on its own. Others can cause diseases of the genital area.
See Full Glossary vaccine that can help protect against 4 types of human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancers, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts.

A healthcare professional can tell you more about GARDASIL®. You can also learn more here.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GARDASIL®

GARDASIL® is a vaccine indicated in girls and women 9-26 years of age, for the prevention of infection caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 and the following diseases associated with these types: cervical cancer, abnormal and precancerous cervical cells, vaginal and vulvar cancers, abnormal and precancerous vaginal and vulvar cells, and genital warts. 

GARDASIL® helps prevent these diseases but it does not treat them. And just like all vaccines, GARDASIL® may not fully protect everyone who gets it. GARDASIL® does not protect against all types of HPV. Duration of protection over the long term has not been established. Vaccination with GARDASIL® is not recommended during pregnancy.

Like all vaccines, GARDASIL® may cause some side effects. GARDASIL® has been shown to be generally well tolerated in adults and children as young as 9 years old. The most commonly reported side effects in girls and women included pain, swelling, itching, bruising and redness where the shot was given. Fever, nausea, dizziness, headache and vomiting were also reported. Allergic reactions may occur.

Even if you get vaccinated with GARDASIL®, it is still important to continue having regular Pap tests.

Only a healthcare professional can decide if GARDASIL® is right for you or your daughter.

Read the Patient Product Information or the Prescribing InformationTo retrieve this information you will be re-directed to a page within our main Merck Frosst Website which contains Product Monographs, Prescribing Information, Product Information and Consumer Information approved by Health Canada. Click here to go to the Gardasil® page on MerckFrosst.com for more information.