Final answer:
The Gardasil vaccine targets HPV strains 6, 11, 16, and 18 to prevent genital warts and cervical cancer, while Gardasil 9 also covers additional strains 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gardasil vaccine is designed to protect against certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Specifically, the strains included in the original Gardasil vaccine are HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18. These strains are chosen due to their association with health issues: HPV 6 and 11 are linked to 90% of genital wart infections, while HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers. Gardasil 9, which is an updated version, also includes coverage against five additional high-risk strains: HPV 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Regular Pap testing along with vaccination can help in early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.