Dear Patient:
We care about your health. That’s why we’re writing to let you know about a vaccine that is available in our office. It’s called GARDASIL.
The Only Cervical Cancer and Genital Warts Vaccine
GARDASIL is the only vaccine that may help guard against diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) Types 6, 11, 16, and 18:
- Cervical cancer
- Cervical abnormalities that can sometimes lead to cervical cancer
- Genital warts
HPV Types 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and HPV Types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts cases.
Help Protect Yourself Today
Gardasil is for girls and young women ages 9 to 26. GARDASIL works when given before you have any contact with HPV Types 6, 11, 16, and 18. If you’ve already been infected with HPV, you may still benefit from GARDASIL, because it is unlikely that you have been infected with all 4 types of the virus covered by the vaccine. That’s why we feel it’s important for you to know about this vaccine now.
Important Information About GARDASIL
Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of GARDASIL should not receive the vaccine. GARDASIL is not for women who are pregnant. GARDASIL will not treat cervical cancer and genital warts. GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone, and GARDASIL does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it is important to continue regular cervical cancer screenings. GARDASIL will not protect against diseases caused by other types of HPV or against HPV types to which you have already been exposed. GARDASIL can cause pain, swelling, itching, and redness at the injection site, fever, nausea, and dizziness.
We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about GARDASIL. Please call us today to make an appointment.
Sincerely,
Peter S. Sailon, M.D.
GARDASIL is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.