Gardasil and Pregnancy

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Gardasil and Pregnancy

Question:

I have started the three-shot series for Gardasil. I would like to get pregnant. How long after finishing the vaccines should I wait to get pregnant?

Answer:

Gardasil is a vaccine against the four most common strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV). It is given to young women to prevent infection with HPV. Infection with HPV can cause genital warts, and certain strains of the virus are associated with the development of cervical cancer.

Gardasil is administered by a series of three injections given over six months. The vaccine is made from fragments of the virus, so there is no risk of infection from the vaccine itself. Other side effects, including fever, swelling and pain, are rare, making the vaccine very safe to use. However, because of limited experience, it is not recommended for pregnant women. Women who become pregnant during the six months they are receiving the series of injections should postpone receiving the remaining doses until after the pregnancy is completed. It is generally recommended that woman wait a month after receiving vaccines before planning to become pregnant.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009