Gardasil 9 is widely known as a vaccine that helps prevent cervical cancer.

When discussing HPV vaccination with patients, 

I often find that there are more misconceptions about the vaccine than many people realize.

Today, I would like to address three of the most common misconceptions about Gardasil 9.

Q. Is HPV vaccination useless if you are already sexually active?

A. No, it is not.

Gardasil 9 is a vaccine designed to help protect against nine types of HPV associated with cervical cancer, 

genital warts, and other HPV-related conditions.

Even if you are sexually active or have previously been exposed to a certain type of HPV, 

this does not necessarily mean that you have been infected with all of the HPV types covered by the vaccine.

Therefore, vaccination may still provide protection against HPV types to which you have not yet been exposed.

However, it is important to understand that the vaccine does not treat or eliminate an existing HPV infection. 

Its purpose is to help prevent new HPV infections.

Q. Is it too late to get Gardasil 9 after your 20s?

A. Not necessarily.

HPV vaccination is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, 

which is why vaccination at an earlier age is generally recommended.

However, missing the recommended vaccination period does not necessarily mean that it is too late.

In Korea, Gardasil 9 is approved for females from 9 through 45 years of age.

Therefore, rather than deciding against vaccination simply because you are past your 20s, 

it may be helpful to consult a specialist and determine whether vaccination is appropriate for your individual situation.

Q. If I received Gardasil 9, can I skip cervical cancer screening?

A. No. Cervical cancer screening is still important.

Gardasil 9 helps protect against major high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer, 

but it does not protect against every cancer-causing HPV type.

Therefore, completing the HPV vaccination series does not eliminate the need for cervical cancer screening.

Rather than choosing between vaccination and screening, 

it is better to think of them as complementary approaches to cervical cancer prevention.

Even after vaccination, regular cervical cancer screening remains important based on your age, 

individual health status, and previous screening results.

《 A Note from Dr. Min Kyung Kim 》

Having sexual experience does not mean that Gardasil 9 is no longer worthwhile, 

and being past your 20s does not automatically mean that it is too late to get vaccinated.

 

What matters is taking advantage of the preventive options that are appropriate for you at the right time.

By keeping up with both HPV vaccination and regular cervical cancer screening, 

you can reduce preventable risks and identify important changes at an earlier stage.

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