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Medically Approved

Gardasil 9 dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthDosageFAQHow it’s givenCouponAsk your doctor
Doctors recommend Gardasil 9 to help prevent certain diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s given by injection in a two- or three-dose series.
Medically reviewed by Amber R. Watson, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes Gardasil 9’s dosages and strength and gives details on how it’s given. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Gardasil 9. If you want to know more about Gardasil 9, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Gardasil 9 is a brand-name biologic medication that comes as an injection. A biologic drug is made from living cells, while other drugs are made from chemicals.

Drugs made from chemicals can have generics, which are exact copies of the active drug in the brand-name medication. Biologics, on the other hand, can’t be copied exactly. Therefore, instead of a generic, biologics have biosimilars. Gardasil 9 isn’t available in a biosimilar version. This article describes dosages of Gardasil 9.

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Form and strength of Gardasil 9

Gardasil 9 comes as follows:

  • Form: liquid solution, which a healthcare professional will give as an injection into a muscle
  • Strength: 0.5 milliliters (mL) in a vial or prefilled syringe

Dosage of Gardasil 9

This article describes the recommended dosages for Gardasil 9. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this vaccine, you should follow the dosage schedule they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your schedule for receiving Gardasil 9 without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of Gardasil 9 in adolescents and adults

Gardasil 9 is approved to help protect against diseases, such as cancer, caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).

The recommended dosage of Gardasil 9 varies by age. Adolescents ages 9–14 years may receive either two or three doses. A doctor or pharmacist can recommend how many doses should be given.

AgeRegimenFirst doseSecond doseThird dose
9–14 years2 doses0.5 mL0.5 mL given 6–12 months after the first dosenot recommended
9–14 years3 doses0.5 mL0.5 mL given 2 months after the first dose0.5 mL given 6 months after the first dose
15–45 years3 doses0.5 mL0.5 mL given 2 months after the first dose0.5 mL given 6 months after the first dose

Missed dose of Gardasil 9

Call your doctor if you realize you forgot an appointment for your Gardasil 9 dose.

If you need help remembering your appointment for your dose of Gardasil 9, you could try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Gardasil 9 and its dosage.

What happens if my second or third dose is delayed?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no maximum time limit between doses. This means that if a dose is delayed, you do not have to repeat previous doses.

But there are minimum time limits between doses. If you get a dose too early, you’ll need to repeat it.

You can learn more about Gardasil 9’s dosing schedule by talking with your doctor. They can let you know what to do if you miss a second or third dose, or a dose gets delayed.

Is Gardasil 9 used long term?

Yes, Gardasil 9 provides long-term protection against HPV infection. But you’ll only need to get one series of vaccines, which consists of two or three doses.

If you have questions about how long Gardasil 9 works, talk with your doctor.

How Gardasil 9 is given

Your doctor or healthcare professional will give you Gardasil 9. They’ll inject it into a muscle in your arm or thigh.

Depending on your age, you’ll need either a two-dose or three-dose series. 

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What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Gardasil 9. If your doctor prescribes this vaccine, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your schedule for receiving Gardasil 9 without your doctor’s recommendation. You should receive Gardasil 9 exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Why is the two-dose regimen only for children and adolescents?
  • If I started with another HPV vaccine, can I finish this therapy with Gardasil 9 doses?
  • Can I get doses of Gardasil 9 if I have a condition that affects my immune system?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.

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