Can you still get HPV after have had the gardasil shot?

While the Gardasil vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) types covered by the vaccine, it does not provide complete protection against all HPV types. As a result, it is still possible to get HPV after vaccination, although the risk is significantly reduced.

The Gardasil vaccine protects against nine types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. These types account for the majority of cases of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, as well as a large proportion of cases of anal and oropharyngeal cancers. However, there are over 100 different types of HPV, and the vaccine does not provide protection against all of them.

Following vaccination, it is still important to practice safe sex, including using condoms, to reduce the risk of infection with HPV types that are not covered by the vaccine. Additionally, regular Pap tests or HPV tests are recommended to screen for the presence of HPV infection and to detect any precancerous changes that may develop.