A Closer Look at the HPV Vaccine

By leahdurantlaw on October 19, 2015 • ( 0 )

Vaccine Lawyer Leah Durant Discusses Common Side Effects of HPV vaccine

A Closer Look at the HPV Vaccine

Until late last year, there were only two vaccines with FDA approval for preventing the spread of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). These were Cervarix, which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, and Gardasil, which is manufactured by Merck. While these vaccines have proven to be generally effective against multiple types of HPV, they may carry side effects for some.

In December 2014, Merck received approval to sell a new HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9. According to the FDA, Gardasil 9 provides protection against five additional HPV types (for a total of nine), which account for approximately 20 percent of cervical cancers not covered by Cervarix and Gardasil. While Gardasil 9 is still relatively new, scientists are already warning about its side effects.

About Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

HPV is a sexually-transmitted disease that causes genital warts and is a risk factor for cervical and other cancers. It is possible to have HPV and not exhibit any symptoms, and many people who contract HPV do not develop cancer for years – and in some cases decades – after getting HPV. As a result of these risks, the federal government recommends that all children age 11 to 12 receive an HPV vaccine.

About Gardasil 9

The FDA has approved Gardasil 9 for vaccination against nine types of HPV. These are:

Types 6 and 11, for which the FDA has approved Gardasil 9 for prevention of genital warts.

Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, for which the FDA has approved Gardasil 9 for prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers.

Previously, only types 6, 11, 16 and 18 were covered by Gardasil. According to the FDA’s research, Gardasil 9 is just as effective as Gardasil in protecting against these HPV types, and it is 97 percent effective in preventing cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers caused by types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.

The FDA’s approval for Gardasil 9 covers females ages nine through 26 and males ages nine through 15. Like Gardasil and Cervarix, the FDA recommends vaccination with Gardasil 9 in three separate shots over a six-month period.

Importantly, the FDA notes that Cervarix, Gardasil and Gardasil 9 do not:

Remove the need for cervical cancer screening
Protect against all types of HPV
Protect against HPV types that you already have
Treat HPV infection

The Risks Associated with Gardasil 9

The FDA has already identified several potentially-dangerous side effects specific to Gardasil 9. If you or your child experiences any of these conditions after receiving a vaccination for HPV, you should see a doctor as soon as possible:

Diarrhea
Fever
Headache, nausea or dizziness
Nausea
Pain, swelling, redness, itching or bleeding at the vaccination site
Sore throat

The FDA also warns of the following side effects, which have been seen with Gardasil:

Chills
Fainting
Fatigue
Joint pain
Leg, chest or abdominal pain
Muscle weakness
Seizure
Shortness of breach
Skin infection
Swollen glands

If you or your child has suffered side effects after receiving an HPV vaccination, you may be entitled to financial compensation under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP provides a streamlined process for recovering compensation for vaccine-related injuries at no financial cost to you.

For More Information About Compensation for Injuries from Gardasil 9, Contact Us Today

Leah Durant is a national HPV vaccine lawyer who helps injured persons obtain compensation through the VICP. To learn if compensation is available, contact Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC today for a free consultation.