Cervarix

Cervarix is used to prevent the two types of HPV that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers -- it is not designed to provide protection against the types of HPV most likely to cause genital warts. The vaccine is typically given as three injections and is approved for females between the ages of 9 and 25. Common side effects include headache, fatigue, and injection site reactions.

Cervarix Vaccine Information

What Is Cervarix?

Cervarix^® (Human Papillomavirus Bivalent [Types 16 and 18] Vaccine, Recombinant) is a vaccine used to prevent cervical cancer and various precancerous cervical lesions caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV for short). It is one of two available HPV vaccines. This product is approved for females age 9 through 25.

(Click Cervarix Uses for more information on what this vaccine is used for, including possible off-label purposes.)

Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns

Cervarix does not contain thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative). People who are concerned about exposure to this substance can be confident that this vaccine has no thimerosal -- not even trace amounts.

Some people also are concerned about the aluminum content of vaccines. This vaccine contains 0.5 mg of aluminum hydroxide per dose. It is not made from animal components or human fetal cell lines, unlike some vaccines. Interestingly, one step of the process in making this vaccine involves using moth cells.

Who Makes Cervarix?

Cervarix is made by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.

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