It’s not too late to vaccinate
It’s Not Too Late: Protect Your Adult Patients Against HPV-Related Cancers and Diseases
Did you know that up to 80% of sexually active adults will acquire HPV by age 50? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide.1 While most HPV infections clear naturally without symptoms, persistent infection can lead to serious health issues, including cancers and genital warts.2
Why Adult HPV Vaccination Matters
- Many adults may remain at risk: Although new HPV infections are most common in adolescence and young adulthood, adults can still acquire new infections, especially if they have new sexual partners.1
- Gardasil 9 offers broad protection: This vaccine protects against 9 HPV types responsible for cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal cancers, and genital warts.3
- Protection even after exposure: If a patient has already been infected with one HPV type, Gardasil 9 can still protect them against other HPV types they haven’t encountered.4
- There is no upper age limit for HPV vaccination.3
Your Role as a Healthcare Professional Is Crucial
Your role is of critical importance in improving HPV vaccination uptake.5 Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Identify eligible patients: Adults with new sexual partners, those unvaccinated, patients seeking contraception, Cervical Screening patients.1,6
- Start the conversation: Explain the benefits of vaccination clearly and confidently.
- Address concerns: Provide reassurance about safety and efficacy.
- Use available resources: MSD Connect offers patient materials, discussion guides and educational resources to support your clinical practice.
Take Action Today
- Review your adult patient lists for HPV vaccination opportunities.
- Proactively recommend Gardasil 9 to protect against HPV-related cancers and genital warts.3
- Help your patients understand it’s never too late to benefit from HPV vaccination.
Because your recommendation can save lives, start the conversation about HPV vaccination today.
- HIQA. Chapter 10 – Human Papillomavirus – https://www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/niac-immunisation-guideline/chapter-10-human-papillomavirus (Accessed July 2025)
- HSE. About HPV – https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/hpv-human-papillomavirus/ (Accessed July 2025)
- Gardasil 9 Summary of Product Characteristics – https://www.medicines.ie/medicines/gardasil-9-suspension-for-injection-in-a-pre-filled-syringe-32235/spc (Accessed July 2025)
- Meites E, Szilagyi PG, Chesson HW, Unger ER, Romero JR, Markowitz LE. Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for Adults: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019;68(32):698-702. Published 2019 Aug 16. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6832a3.
- Sackley, E., M. et al. Healthcare professional’s promotional strategies in improving Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake in adolescents: A systematic review. Vaccine. 2022 Apr 26;40(19):2656-2666.
- HSE. What cervical screening is – https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/cervical-screening/why-go/what-cervical-screening-is/ (Accessed July 2025)
IE-GSL-00220 | Date of Preparation: October 2025