Which of the following individuals is not a candidate for the Gardasil® HPV vaccine?

The Gardasil® HPV vaccine is recommended for individuals to help prevent certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related diseases. The vaccination is most effective when administered before the onset of sexual activity, but it is also approved for use in older age groups under certain circumstances.

The individual who would not typically be considered a candidate for the Gardasil® vaccine is the 28-year-old woman with a family history of ovarian cancer. While this woman may have a family history that raises her risk perceptions regarding cervical cancer, the primary purpose of the Gardasil® vaccine is to prevent HPV infection and its sequelae, not directly related to familial cancer syndromes. The vaccine is primarily recommended for younger individuals, usually up to age 26, though catch-up vaccinations can be considered up to age 45 in some cases based on specific risk factors and clinician discretion.

In contrast, the other individuals mentioned do not have disqualifying factors:

• An 18-year-old female who has given birth is still within the recommended age for receiving the vaccine, as childbirth does not negate the benefits of vaccination against HPV.
• A 21-year-old woman who has not undergone a Pap screen