Gardasil 9 dosage: Form, strengths, how to use, and more
Gardasil 9 (HPV 9-valent vaccine) is a prescription drug used to vaccinate against conditions caused by HPV. The vaccine comes as a liquid that’s injected into your muscle, usually in a two-dose or three-dose schedule.
Gardasil 9 is used in adults and certain children to help prevent the following conditions caused by human papillomavirus (HPV):
- certain cancers, including head and neck cancer
- atypical cell growths that may lead to cancer, including cervical lesions
- genital warts
The active ingredient in Gardasil 9 is recombinant HPV. (“Recombinant” means the vaccine is made from parts of the virus it’s used to protect against. In this case, Gardasil 9 is made from parts of nine types of HPV.)
Gardasil 9 belongs to a group of drugs called vaccines.
This article describes the dosages of Gardasil 9, as well as its strength and route (how it’s given). To learn more about Gardasil 9, see this in-depth article.
What’s Gardasil 9’s dosage?
The table below highlights the basics of Gardasil 9’s dosage. All doses are listed in milliliters (mL).
| Age range | Two-dose schedule | Three-dose schedule |
|---|---|---|
| 9 to 14 years old | • first dose: 0.5 mL • second dose: 0.5 mL given 6 to 12 months later | • first dose: 0.5 mL • second dose: 0.5 mL given 2 months later • third dose: 0.5 mL given 4 months later |
| 15 years and older | not recommended | • first dose: 0.5 mL • second dose: 0.5 mL given 2 months later • third dose: 0.5 mL given 4 months later |
Keep reading for more details about Gardasil 9’s dosage.
What’s Gardasil 9’s form?
Gardasil 9 is available as a liquid suspension that’s given as an injection into your muscle.
Gardasil 9 comes in single-dose vials and prefilled syringes. It’s usually given by a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist.
What strength does Gardasil 9 come in?
Gardasil 9 comes in one volume of 0.5 mL.
What are the usual dosages of Gardasil 9 in adults?
The information below describes the commonly recommended dosage schedule for Gardasil 9. Your doctor will recommend the best dosing schedule for your needs.
Dosage for preventing conditions caused by HPV
Gardasil 9 is used to help prevent certain conditions caused by HPV. It’s typically given in a three-dose schedule for adults through age 45 years.
For this use, you’ll typically receive three doses of 0.5 mL each. After receiving the first dose of Gardasil 9, you’ll receive the second dose 2 months later. Then, you’ll receive the third dose 4 months after your second dose.
What’s the dosage of Gardasil 9 for children?
Gardasil 9 is used to help prevent certain conditions caused by HPV in children ages 9 years and older.
Gardasil 9 can be given in a two-dose or three-dose schedule for children ages 9 to 14 years. It’s typically given in a three-dose schedule for children ages 15 years and older.
For the two-dose schedule, your child will typically receive two doses of 0.5 mL each. After receiving the first dose of Gardasil 9, your child will receive the second dose 6 to 12 months later.
The three-dose schedule for children is the same as for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Gardasil 9 in adults?” section.
For more information about Gardasil 9’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
How to receive Gardasil 9
A healthcare professional will give you each dose of Gardasil 9 at a pharmacy, clinic, or doctor’s office. They’ll give the vaccine as an injection into your muscle. It’s typically given in your upper arm, but it can also be given in your upper outer thigh.
Is Gardasil 9 used long term?
No, Gardasil 9 isn’t used long-term. The vaccine is given in two or three separate doses, typically 2 to 12 months apart.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Gardasil 9’s dosage.
What happens if my second or third dose of Gardasil 9 is delayed?
If your second or third dose of Gardasil 9 is delayed, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend when it’s best to receive your next dose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t recommend restarting your vaccine schedule if a dose of Gardasil 9 is delayed. However, it’s still important to complete the entire series of Gardasil 9 to ensure the best protection against HPV-related conditions. (For details about the vaccine’s dosing schedules, see the “What’s Gardasil 9’s dosage?” section.)
If you have questions about a delayed dose of Gardasil 9, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Gardasil 9 have a recommended dosage schedule for adults older than 26 years?
Yes, it does.
In the past, Gardasil 9 wasn’t approved for use in adults older than 26 years. However, the vaccine is currently approved for use in adults through age 45 years.
To learn more about the vaccine’s dosage for adults, see the “What’s Gardasil 9’s dosage?” section. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Gardasil 9 have a recommended 2-dose schedule for adults?
No, it doesn’t. Gardasil 9 is typically given in a three-dose schedule for adults.
For children ages 9 years and older, Gardasil 9 can be given in a two-dose or three-dose schedule, depending on their ages. However, the two-dose vaccine schedule isn’t approved for adults. For more details about the vaccine’s dosage schedule, see the “What’s Gardasil 9’s dosage?” section above.
If you have questions about Gardasil 9 dosing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
What is Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine designed to protect against certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cancers and other diseases.
What forms does Gardasil 9 come in?
Gardasil 9 is available as an injectable liquid administered by a healthcare professional.
What are the available strengths of Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 is provided in a single strength designed for both males and females starting from around age 9.
How is Gardasil 9 administered?
Gardasil 9 is given as an injection into the muscle, typically in the upper arm or thigh.
### What is the recommended dosage schedule for Gardasil 9?
The vaccine is usually administered in a series of either two or three doses, depending on the age of the recipient and their health status.
At what age is Gardasil 9 typically given?
Gardasil 9 is commonly recommended for preteens around 11 to 12 years old but can be given starting at age 9, with catch-up vaccinations possible into the late teenage years and young adulthood.
Can Gardasil 9 be given to both males and females?
Yes, Gardasil 9 is recommended for use in both males and females.
What should I do if I miss a Gardasil 9 dose?
If a Gardasil 9 dose is missed, contact your healthcare provider to reschedule the missed dose as soon as possible.
Are there any possible side effects of Gardasil 9?
Common side effects may include pain at the injection site, swelling, or redness. More serious side effects are rare but should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
How does Gardasil 9 work?
Gardasil 9 works by stimulating the immune system to fight against HPV types that are linked to various cancers and genital warts.
