Gardasil 9 for men and boys: Ages, dosage, and more

In this article:

• Importance of the HPV vaccine for men
• What does Gardasil 9 help protect against?
• How Gardasil 9 works
• Who can receive the HPV vaccine?
• Gardasil 9 dosing schedule
• Side effects of Gardasil 9 in males
• Where to get the Gardasil 9 vaccine

In this article

• Importance of the HPV vaccine for men
• What does Gardasil 9 help protect against?
• How Gardasil 9 works
• Who can receive the HPV vaccine?
• Gardasil 9 dosing schedule
• Side effects of Gardasil 9 in males
• Where to get the Gardasil 9 vaccine

Gardasil 9 isn’t just for girls and women; boys and men can benefit from this vaccine too. It’s often overlooked that Gardasil 9 was approved for men, helping prevent HPV infections that can lead to cancers and genital warts. 

In 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gardasil 9 for females between the ages of 9 and 26 and males between the ages of 9 and 15. In 2015, the approval was extended to include males between the ages of 16 and 26. By 2018, it was further expanded to cover males and females aged 27–45 as well.

Given these updates, many people are now eligible for the vaccine. Here’s everything you need to know about the HPV vaccine for males between the ages of 9 and 45.

Importance of the HPV vaccine for men

HPV, or human papillomavirus, can cause severe health risks for men. Around 4 out of every 10 cases of cancer caused by HPV occur in men, with over 15,000 men in the United States getting HPV-related cancers each year. Mouth and throat cancer is the most common of them and occurs more often in men than in women. In fact, men are almost five times more likely than women to develop throat cancer from HPV.

Men can also develop other types of HPV-related cancers, including penile and anal cancer. Most cases of penile cancer, a rare form of cancer that develops on the foreskin, are caused by HPV, accounting for 63% of cases.

Still, the risk of cancers may be entirely preventable, especially with early vaccination. 

What does Gardasil 9 help protect against?

Most HPV infections clear up on their own. However, for people who do not clear the virus, the disease can persist and eventually lead to cancer.

Gardasil 9, developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme, helps protect individuals against diseases caused by nine types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Types 16 and 18 are the ones that cause most HPV-related cancers, including head and neck cancers, anal cancer, and cervical cancer, among others. Types 6 and 11 are responsible for causing 90% of cases of genital warts. 

HPV can be transmitted through various forms of sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. This makes it possible to contract HPV even if there are no visible signs or symptoms of the virus in an infected partner.

How Gardasil 9 works

Gardasil 9 works by teaching your immune system to recognize and fight the virus if you are ever exposed to it. The vaccine contains tiny, noninfectious particles that mimic the outer shell of the real virus, which prompts the body to produce antibodies. These antibodies then stand ready to attack the actual virus when the time comes.

The vaccine doesn’t treat existing HPV infections, genital warts, or any form of cancer. Regular cancer screenings are important even after vaccination, as Gardasil 9 does not cover every type of HPV or HPV-related cancer. It helps to reduce the risk of future infections and related health issues in people who engage in sexual activity. 

Who can receive the HPV vaccine?

Gardasil 9 is approved for people age 9 and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination at age 11 or 12, but it can be started as early as age 9. Healthcare professionals advise vaccination for individuals through age 26 if they were not vaccinated earlier. However, individuals up to age 45 can receive the vaccine. 

Is the same Gardasil 9 vaccine given to men and women?

Yes, the Gardasil 9 vaccine is the same for both men and women. It contains the same ingredients and works in the same way. 

However, it may prevent gender-specific cancers. For instance, it can help prevent vulvar, vaginal, and cervical cancer in women, while in men, it can prevent penile cancer. Additionally, Gardasil 9 can prevent anal and mouth cancers in both men and women.

The dosing schedule for Gardasil 9 is not based on gender but on age.

Gardasil 9 dosing schedule

Gardasil 9 is administered through a shot, usually in the arm muscle. The dosage schedule varies based on the age range the person falls within and the number of doses required. Here is a breakdown of the schedules, according to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP):

For ages 9 through 14 years

Two-dose schedule:

• First shot
• Second shot: Six to 12 months after the first shot

If the second dose is administered less than five months after the first dose in the 2-dose schedule, a third dose is required at least four months after the second one.

Three-dose schedule:

• First shot
• Second shot: One to two months after the first shot
• Third shot: Six months after the first shot

For ages 15 through 45 years

• 3-dose schedule:
  • First shot
  • Second shot: Two months after the first shot
  • Third shot: Six months after the first shot

For immunocompromised individuals, including those with conditions affecting the immune system, the three-dose schedule is recommended regardless of age.

It is important to follow the schedule advised by a healthcare professional to ensure the vaccine is effective. Not following the dosing schedule may increase the chances of infection after exposure to an HPV strain. 

Side effects of Gardasil 9 in males

Men who receive Gardasil 9 may experience some side effects. The most common side effects of Gardasil 9 include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Fever
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Pain in the muscles or joints

Some individuals may also experience itching, bruising, bleeding, or a lump where they got the shot.

Severe allergic reaction

Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients in Gardasil 9 or Gardasil, including those severely allergic to yeast, should not receive the vaccine. Signs of a severe allergic reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face or throat
• Rapid heartbeat
• Severe rash
• Dizziness
• Weakness

Other reactions

Fainting can occur after receiving Gardasil 9. Healthcare professionals may ask individuals to sit or lie down for 15 minutes post-vaccination to prevent injuries from falls. Some may experience shaking or become stiff while fainting.

Gardasil 9 was not studied in pregnant women and is not recommended for those with a history of severe reactions to previous vaccines.

These adverse reactions are generally mild and temporary. If side effects persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.

Where to get the Gardasil 9 vaccine

Gardasil 9 may be available at various locations, including local pharmacies, health clinics, and doctor’s offices. You can schedule an appointment or check whether walk-ins are accepted. You may also want to check with your local health department for more information on where to get vaccinated.

Is Gardasil 9 covered for men?

Most health insurance plans cover Gardasil 9 for men. The Affordable Care Act requires insurance to cover preventive services. Men age 9–26 are usually eligible. Check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.

For those without insurance, the cost of Gardasil 9 is about $363 for one 0.5 ml Syringe. With a SingleCare coupon, you could pay $305. If you qualify for the Merck Patient Assistance Program, you may get Gardasil 9 for free. Speak with your healthcare provider, who may be able to provide you with a list of options.