There are two vaccines available to help prevent cervical cancer. They are called Gardasil and Cervarix, and should be taken by young men and women between the ages of nine and 26 years old. They can prevent 70 percent of the HPV infections that are responsible for the development of cervical cancer in women and certain genital cancers in men.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines protect against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer. Two HPV vaccines are licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These vaccines are Gardasil (made by Merck) and Cervarix (made by GlaxoSmithKline). Both vaccines are very effective against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers. So both vaccines prevent cervical cancer and precancer in women.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.