What is the role of the Gardasil vaccine?

The Gardasil vaccine plays a crucial role in preventing infection from specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly those that are known to cause genital warts and cervical cancer. By stimulating the body's immune response to these strains, the vaccine significantly lowers the risk of developing related diseases, including cervical and other types of cancer associated with HPV.

It is important to understand that the vaccine does not cure existing HPV infections, which is why the option regarding curing infections is not correct. Additionally, while the vaccine is effective against several specific strains of HPV, it does not offer protection against all types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or reduce symptoms of STDs already present. Therefore, its primary purpose is to serve as a preventive measure against the risks posed by particular HPV strains.