Vaccines Study Shows Gardasil to Be Highly Effective New study shows Gardasil to be highly effective By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Lisa Fayed Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD on September 11, 2019 linkedin Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Medical Review Board Brian Levine, MD Updated on January 27, 2020 Print The results of two studies involving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Gardasil are in and the findings confirm it is highly effective for preventing precancerous cervical lesions. For girls and young women who received it before they became sexually active, this is especially true. Foremniakowski / Getty Images The Gardasil Vaccine's Target Age Range Gardasil is a vaccine that is designed to prevent two strains of the human papillomavirus known to cause cervical cancer (HPV-16 and HPV-18) and two strains known to cause genital warts (HPV-6 and HPV-11). It is currently available to girls as young as nine years of age, but the target age is 11 to 12. The vaccine can be given up until 26 years of age. The Gardasil vaccine has generated controversy for many reasons. Some people are generally opposed to vaccines and have fears about their effects. Other people are opposed to a vaccine that might prevent a sexually-transmitted virus, due to their moral objections and concerns about it being given to younger women. Scientists and the medical community want to ensure that the vaccines they give are effective in preventing disease and do not produce unwanted side effects. They continue to test them and study the populations who were vaccinated to see if the vaccine works and is safe. What the Gardasil Studies Found Two Gardasil vaccine studies, titled Future I and Future II were featured in the May 10th, 2007, edition of The New England Journal of Medicine. This journal publishes research papers after they have been analyzed by peers who ensure the research published is of high quality. Here are some key findings from both of the Future I and Future II studies on the Gardasil vaccine: Gardasil was nearly 100 percent effective in preventing precancerous cervical lesions caused by the strains that Gardasil protects against. It provides protection against two strains known to cause 70 percent of all cervical cancers and two strains known to cause 90 percent of all warts.The Future I study found that Gardasil is also highly effective in preventing precancerous lesions that occur on or in the vagina, anus, and vulva.Gardasil's effectiveness increased when given to girls and young women before they become sexually active.Gardasil is less effective in preventing precancerous lesions in women already exposed to HPV strains 16 and 18 since you cannot vaccinate against an infection that is already present. What the Gardasil Study Results Mean For You The findings of both studies support the use of the HPV vaccine, especially when given to young women before they become sexually active. Gardasil is extremely effective in preventing several (but not all) of the strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Therefore, Pap smears are still necessary. With the availability of the HPV test and more data, the timing of Pap smears has been changing. Check for the latest recommendations and discuss any concerns with your doctor. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Garland SM, Hernandez-avila M, Wheeler CM, et al. Quadrivalent Vaccine Against Human Papillomavirus to Prevent Anogenital Diseases. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(19):1928-43. The Future II Study Group. Quadrivalent Vaccine against Human Papillomavirus to Prevent High-Grade Cervical Lesions. New England Journal of Medicine Vol. 356, No. 19: 1915-1927 May 10, 2007.