Vaccine (HPV Vaccine)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a vaccine (known as Gardasil in Nigeria) that helps your body build protection against four types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can cause cervical cancer, genital warts, and other cancers. It works by training your immune system to recognize and fight off these specific virus types before you get infected.
Activates humoral and cell-mediated immune responses by presenting recombinant L1 capsid proteins, which stimulate production of neutralizing antibodies against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, thereby preventing viral infection and associated malignant and benign proliferative lesions.
Prevention of cervical cancer, prevention of genital warts (the type that grows around private parts), prevention of cancers of the anus, vagina, and vulva caused by HPV
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
If you miss a scheduled dose, go to your health facility as soon as you can to get it. You do not need to restart the whole series; just continue from where you stopped. Try your best to complete all the doses even if delayed, because the vaccine only works fully when you take the complete course.
Make sure you receive this vaccine only at a trusted hospital, clinic, or registered pharmacy with proper cold chain storage, and never buy it from roadside vendors or unregistered sources. Complete all your doses as scheduled for full protection, as one dose alone will not protect you fully. This vaccine prevents HPV infection but does not treat existing HPV infections or cervical cancer, so women should still go for cervical cancer screening regularly.
If you are taking medicines that weaken your immune system (such as steroids or cancer drugs), the vaccine may not work as well, so inform your doctor. There are no major food or alcohol interactions, but let your health worker know about all medications you are currently using before getting the vaccine.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Human with your other drugs?
This vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy; if you discover you are pregnant after starting the series, wait until after delivery to complete the remaining doses. Breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before receiving the vaccine.
Gardasil must be kept in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C, which is why you should only get it from a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy with proper cold storage. Do not freeze it, and do not use it if it has been left out in Nigerian heat or sunlight. This vaccine is handled by health professionals, so storage is usually their responsibility.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.