Gardasil is a vaccine designed to protect against certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to Cervical cancer, other genital cancers, and oropharyngeal cancers. It targets the most common high-risk HPV types, as well as types that cause genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for preteens, but can be given to individuals up to age 45. By preventing HPV infections, Gardasil significantly reduces the risk of developing cancers associated with the virus.