Vaccines against HPV and Cervical Cancer, Genital Warts, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
Gardasil Vaccinations: HPV, Cervical Cancer and Genital Warts
Better2Know offers you the Gardasil vaccine to protect against HPV. The vaccine protects against types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Genital Warts are generally caused by types 6 and 11 and can affect both men and women. Cervical Cancer is mainly caused by types 16 and 18 which affects only women, although men can also pass the virus on.
Gardasil is licensed for women aged 9 to 26, but anyone can choose to have the vaccine privately, off licence.
You need three doses of Gardasil to be fully protected. The second dose is given one to two months after the first dose, and the third dose six to twelve months after the first dose. You do not have to go to the same clinic each time. You will also need to have a booster dose; current research recommends this to be given once every 5 years.
It is important that women continue to have regular smear tests, as the vaccine does not protect against all high-risk HPV types.
You do not need to have an HPV test before having the vaccine. The vaccine will not protect you against any HPV types you may already have. Better2Know can arrange an HPV test for you if you would like one.
At your appointment, your Better2Know doctor will check your general health before the vaccination. The vaccine is usually given in the upper arm or thigh.
Did you know? …
Over 300 women in Ireland are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer every year. Click here to see the full article.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease more commonly found in developing countries. It can be transmitted by anal intercourse, poor hygiene practices, sharing needles, as well as through dirty water.
If you want to protect yourself from Hepatitis A infection you should have two doses of the vaccine. The first dose protects for one year, but having a second dose six to twelve months after the first dose increases your immunity to twenty years.
You do not need to have a Hepatitis A test before you have the vaccination, but the vaccine will not protect you against the virus if already have it.
Your Better2Know doctor will check your general health before the vaccination. The vaccine is usually given in the upper arm or thigh.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease. It is very contagious and can be transmitted by contaminated blood, sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and from mother to baby. Anyone who is exposed to blood in the course of their employment (e.g. doctors, nurses, dentists, laboratory technicians) is strongly advised to have this vaccine as they are more likely to have a needle stick injury. The vaccine is also recommended for men who have sex with men (MSM).
You need three doses of vaccine to be fully protected. The second dose is given one month after the first, and the third dose is given six months after the first dose. If you need protection faster than that, you can have the quick course: with the second dose given one week later and the third dose at three weeks later, but you will need a booster dose one year after this.
Your Better2Know doctor will check your general health before the vaccination. The vaccine is usually given in the upper arm or thigh.
You are also advised to have a Hepatitis B immunity test at least one month after the third vaccine to check to see if the vaccine has worked. Better2Know can arrange this test and any certificates you might need.
Other vaccines
If you need any other vaccines, Better2Know will be happy to help you. These can be provided by special arrangement. Please contact our booking team by telephone to discuss your requirements.
Book your vaccines
Better2Know is the world’s leading provider of private sexual health testing services. To arrange a clinic appointment, please click Book Now or contact us or call our friendly booking team on the number above.