Profile of Merck's Gardasil Vaccine

Merck and Company's Gardasil(R) vaccine is one of two vaccines that can be given to prevent human papillomavirus,or HPV,a known cause of cancer.HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that infects more than half of sexually active men and women at some point in their lives.HPV can cause cervical cancer in women.Some 12,000 American women get cervical cancer annually;about 4,000 die from it.Worldwide,it is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.HPV is also associated with vaginal and vulvar cancer in women,and anal and oropharyngeal cancer in both men and women.*Gardasil can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if given before exposure to HPV.It can also prevent vagina and vulvar cancer,and anal cancer in both males and females.This 3-dose vaccine is recommended for girls and boys ages 11-12.It is given so young because even one sexual contact can transmit HPV,and response to the vaccine is best at this age.*Gardasil is also recommended for females ages 13-26 and males ages 13-21 who missed or did not complete the vaccination series at ages 11-12.It is also recommended for men through age 26 who have sex with other men or have wealened immune systems from HIV infection,other illnesses or medications.Gardasil may be given to men through age 26 who have not completed the 3-dose series.*Gardasil has been given for about six years now and has been very safe.Some people should not get the vaccine or should wait,such as those with severe allergies to vaccine components;pregnant women;and people who are moderately to severely ill at the scheduled time of vaccination.Your medical professional will assess Gardasil's appropriateness for you.*Research at Penn State Herhsey Medical Center contributed to the development of Gardasil.*Merck and Company Inc(MRK)