Vaccine guidance · BTS Punnawithi, Bangkok
HPV Vaccination: Gardasil 4 & Gardasil 9
Understand HPV and choose between four-type and nine-type protection—with a clear explanation of cancer prevention, genital warts and your vaccination course.
What is HPV, and what does vaccination prevent?
HPV is a common group of viruses spread mainly through intimate skin contact. Some types cause genital warts; persistent infection with other types can lead to cervical and several other cancers. HPV vaccination helps prevent new infections and related disease from the types it covers. Kauri offers both Gardasil 4 and Gardasil 9 in Bangkok.
- Options at Kauri
- Gardasil 4 / Gardasil 9
- Purpose
- Prevent new HPV infections
- Best timing
- Before exposure; adults can discuss benefit
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV can pass during vaginal, anal or oral sex and other intimate genital skin contact. Penetration is not required. A person can pass the virus without visible warts or other symptoms, and an infection may be detected long after exposure. A positive result cannot reliably show when it was acquired or who transmitted it.
Section sources: [1]
Does HPV always cause symptoms?
Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and are controlled naturally by the immune system. Genital warts may appear as small bumps or clusters, but the HPV types that usually cause warts are different from the main cancer-associated types. Persistent high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells without obvious symptoms, which is why appropriate cervical screening remains important.
Gardasil 4 vs Gardasil 9: what is the difference?
The numbers refer to the HPV types included—not the number of injections. Both vaccines cover types 6 and 11, associated with most genital warts, and types 16 and 18, important causes of HPV-related cancer. Gardasil 9 adds five further cancer-associated types. Broader coverage is its key difference; neither vaccine treats an infection already present.
Swipe across the table to compare both vaccines.
| Comparison | Gardasil 4 | Gardasil 9 |
|---|---|---|
| HPV types covered | 6, 11, 16, 18 | 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 |
| Genital-wart types | 6, 11 | 6, 11 |
| High-risk types included | 16, 18 | 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 |
| Main difference | Protection against 4 HPV types | Includes 5 additional high-risk types |
Who benefits from HPV vaccination?
Vaccination works best before a person encounters the covered types, making prevention before sexual exposure especially valuable. It is relevant to people of different sexes: HPV can affect the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis and throat. The exact licensed indications differ by product, age and sex, so the clinician matches the choice to your situation.
Being sexually active does not mean you have encountered every vaccine type. Adults can still discuss potential benefit based on previous doses and future exposure. You do not need to feel unwell to start a prevention conversation.
How many HPV vaccine doses will you need?
A three-dose product schedule commonly used for adults is at months 0, 2 and 6. Younger adolescents may qualify for a two-dose schedule: the cited Gardasil 4 label covers ages 9–13 for this option, while Gardasil 9 covers ages 9–14. National public-health programmes may use different schedules. Kauri confirms the course for the product, age at the first dose, immune health and previous vaccination record.
Bring records if you have already started a course elsewhere. A delayed appointment does not usually mean restarting from the beginning; the clinician checks intervals and remaining doses. If you previously completed Gardasil 4, discuss your record rather than automatically starting a full Gardasil 9 course.
Do you need an HPV test first, and should screening continue?
An HPV or cervical screening test is not routinely required solely to decide whether to vaccinate. Testing and screening answer different questions from vaccination. A previous HPV-positive result or abnormal cervical result needs appropriate follow-up, but may not remove the benefit of protection against other types. Continue cervical screening as advised even after a complete vaccine course.
Section sources: [2]
What should you know before and after an HPV injection?
Tell the team about pregnancy, significant current illness or a serious reaction to a previous dose or ingredient, including yeast. HPV vaccination is deferred during pregnancy. A sore arm, swelling, headache or mild fever may occur. Remain seated for the observation period advised by the clinic, because fainting can occur around injections. Breathing difficulty, facial swelling or collapse needs urgent help.
More vaccine questions, answered
Does Gardasil 9 mean nine injections?
No. It means protection against nine HPV types. The number of injections is determined by age, immune health, previous doses and the chosen schedule.
Can HPV vaccination treat genital warts?
Vaccination prevents new infections with covered types; it does not remove existing warts. An examination can guide wart treatment while a separate discussion addresses future prevention.
Is HPV vaccination only for women?
No. HPV affects people of different sexes. Men can also benefit from prevention of covered HPV-related disease. The appropriate product depends on age, its licensed indications and individual circumstances.
Kauri Health Clinic
Plan your vaccination visit at Kauri
Bring your vaccination record, if available, and tell us about previous reactions, medicines, pregnancy or immune-system conditions. We review your history, confirm the appropriate vaccine and schedule, and explain what to expect before vaccination. Keep your updated record for future doses and travel.
3063 Sukhumvit Rd, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260 · BTS Punnawithi
Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00–18:00. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Get directions to KauriMedical sources behind this guide
Sources checked: 17 October 2026
Explore all vaccines at Kauri
Find guidance on dengue, influenza, HPV, hepatitis B and rabies vaccination. Compare the options and plan your next visit.
View all vaccine guides