FDA Expands Use of Merck’s HPV Vaccine Up to Age 45

The FDA extended the use of Gardasil 9, Merck’s HPV vaccine, up to age 45 for women and men.

The vaccine, which protects patients against certain cancers and diseases caused by different HPV strains, was formerly only for preteens and young adults through age 26. Gardasil 9 covers nine HPV strains, five more than the original version.

The CDC said “HPV vaccination prior to becoming infected with the HPV types covered by the vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90 percent of these cancers, or 31,200 cases every year, from ever developing,” noted CBER Director Peter Marks.