CDC backs HPV vaccine, confirms its safety
Perhaps you or your pre-teen daughter have heard rumors about side effects caused by the vaccine Gardasil and you are concerned about whether to have your daughter vaccinated with the product.
The vaccine has been used since its approval by the federal government three years ago to protect against the four most common types of the human papilloma virus, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend the vaccine because it has been tested worldwide and found to be safe and effective. As with all vaccines, the agency will continue to review the safety of Gardasil on a regular basis.
Parents are encouraged to discuss HPV vaccination with their child’s doctor. The routine recommendation is to administer HPV vaccine at ages 11 and 12. Girls who miss vaccination at those ages can still get the vaccine through age 26.
Fainting is a common event occurring with needle injections and vaccinations, especially in adolescents. The CDC recommends that patients who receive HPV vaccine remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after vaccination to avoid potential injury from a fall.
Ongoing study
The CDC and Food and Drug Administration are conducting an ongoing study of reports of health problems from some girls who have received Gardasil.
Parents and providers are encouraged to report any adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at http://vaers.hhs.gov/ (phone 1-800-822-7967).
HPV disease
HPV is a common virus. It is the major cause of cervical cancer in women and infection usually occurs in people in their teens and early 20s.
About 20 million people are currently infected with HPV. Each year in the U.S., about 11,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,600 will die. Women have an 80 percent chance of developing HPV by the time they are 50. Because the vaccine is a preventative and not a cure, it is important that the vaccine be given prior to the beginning of sexual activity.
More information about the HPV disease and vaccine information is available on the CDC Web site.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the HPV vaccine to prevent infection which can lead to cervical cancer.
