Antibody Response After Two Doses of Gardasil 9 Vaccine

Cervical cancer vaccine 9-valent (Gardasil 9)

Hello Dr.
Huang, I recently received the 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil HPV 9 in 1).
I have completed the second dose about two months ago; however, the third dose needs to be administered six months after the first dose, and currently, some hospitals in the country are out of stock.
I would like to know if receiving only two doses will provide sufficient antibodies, or will the antibody levels be inadequate? Thank you.

lee, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/02

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I recently received the 9-valent cervical cancer vaccine (Gardasil HPV 9 in 1).
I have completed the second dose about two months ago; however, the third dose needs to be administered six months after the first dose, and currently, some hospitals in the country are out of stock.
My question is, will I have antibodies if I only receive two doses? Or will the antibodies be insufficient?
Answer: Receiving only two doses will result in the presence of antibodies, but the antibody levels may not be sufficient.
Some hospitals (such as Taoyuan Hospital) do not have a shortage of the vaccine.

Reply Date: 2018/01/02

More Info

The Gardasil 9 vaccine, which protects against nine strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), is designed to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. The vaccination schedule typically involves three doses, with the second dose administered two months after the first and the third dose six months after the first. Understanding the antibody response after receiving two doses of the Gardasil 9 vaccine is crucial for assessing its effectiveness.

After the first dose of Gardasil 9, the body begins to mount an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies against the HPV types included in the vaccine. However, the antibody levels and the duration of protection can vary significantly among individuals. Research indicates that while some protection may be conferred after the first dose, the immune response is significantly enhanced after the second dose. The second dose helps to solidify and boost the immune response, leading to higher antibody titers and longer-lasting immunity.

In your case, having completed the second dose approximately two months ago, you may have developed some level of immunity against the HPV types targeted by the vaccine. However, it is important to note that the full protective effect is generally achieved after the completion of all three doses. Studies have shown that individuals who receive all three doses have higher antibody levels and a more robust immune response compared to those who only receive one or two doses. Therefore, while you may have some degree of protection after two doses, it is likely not as comprehensive as that achieved after the full vaccination series.

Regarding your concern about the availability of the third dose, it is advisable to complete the vaccination series as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Delaying the third dose may not significantly diminish the immune response, but it is essential to follow the recommended schedule to ensure optimal protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations recommend completing the series to achieve the best possible outcomes in terms of antibody response and long-term immunity.

In summary, while you may have developed some antibodies after receiving two doses of the Gardasil 9 vaccine, the full protective effect is best achieved with all three doses. If you have any concerns about your vaccination status or the timing of your next dose, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your health history and the current availability of the vaccine. Additionally, maintaining regular health check-ups and screenings for cervical cancer is crucial, even after vaccination, as no vaccine offers 100% protection against all HPV-related diseases.

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