Gardasil vaccine protects against certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), known to be a major cause of cervical cancer in women. The vaccine has been widely studied and proven safe and effective for preventing HPV infections.
However, some concerns have been raised about the side effects of the Gardasil vaccine. This is due to reports of people experiencing severe long-term health problems following the vaccination. With over 40 years of experience handling vaccine injury claims at Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates, we advise vaccine injury victims to work with an attorney. A legal professional will accurately assess the long-term side effects of the vaccine to determine proper damages.
Understanding Gardasil: The HPV Vaccine’s Role and Controversies
The HPV vaccine, known as Gardasil, has been the subject of both praise and controversy since its introduction in 2006. Developed by Merck & Co, Gardasil is designed to protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV). This sexually transmitted infection can lead to anal, throat, and cervical cancers. The vaccine triggers the system to produce antibodies that protect against the specific strains of HPV.
There is overwhelming evidence that Gardasil is effective in preventing HPV infection and its associated cancers. Studies prove that the vaccine can reduce the incidence of genital HPV-related cancers.
Despite its proven benefits, the Gardasil vaccine has faced its share of controversies. One of the main concerns is its safety. Like any medication, Gardasil can cause side effects, with some being severe and long-term.
Also, some critics argue that vaccinating young individuals against HPV may promote risky sexual behavior. However, the vaccine is intended to protect individuals before they become sexually active and is most effective when administered at a younger age.
Identifying Common and Severe Long-Term Side Effects of Gardasil
Common side effects of Gardasil include:
- Pain at the Injection Site
- Swelling and Redness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Muscle or Joint Pain
- Dizziness
- Fever
Severe long-term side effects of Gardasil include:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Neurological symptoms such as seizures
- Very high fever
- Behavior changes
- Difficulty breathing
After seeing your doctor, you need to report these youtube vaccine injuries to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
Complications Associated with Gardasil
After getting the HPV vaccine, patients often feel faint and can fall and hurt themselves. Typically, doctors will ask patients to lie down for 15 minutes when getting the vaccine. There are cases of people fainting and shaking or becoming stiff. This can lead to additional treatment. However, the most common side effects can include fevers, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, tiredness, dizziness, abdominal pain, and pain. Staying in the office longer can help identify these and other symptoms. Doctors will take note of any reactions.
If you make it home and notice additional symptoms, you should speak to your doctor immediately. Your doctor will also discuss potential side effects and when to visit a hospital. If your child experiences any adverse effects, you can also report it to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch
Gardasil’s Market Status: Current Availability and History
Gardisial received approval from the FDA in 2006 to prevent infection of HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18. Later, in December of 2014, Gardasil 9 was approved. This became the only available HPV vaccine in 2017 in the United States. Gardasil-9 protects against nine types of HPV, including 6,11,16,18,31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. The vaccine can be given starting at age 9. Preteens should get the vaccine.
It is recommended that teens and young adults up to age 26 receive the HPV vaccine series. 11 to 12-year-olds should get two doses six to 12 months apart. Starting the vaccine at age 15 results in needing three doses. You can receive the vaccine at community health clinics, school-based health centers, doctor’s offices, and local health departments. If there is a shortage, you can call the state health department for information on getting the vaccine in your community. Most health insurance plans cover these vaccinations. Additionally, the Vaccines for Children program provides free vaccines for qualifying children.
Autoimmune Diseases and the Gardasil Vaccine
According to the CDC, there is no correlation between autoimmune disorders and Gardasil. They referenced studies conducted in 2012 and 2014 that found girls and women who took the shot did not have an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disorder. The CDC has a study from 2015 that also indicates women and girls who are unvaccinated have a higher chance of developing multiple sclerosis. However, if someone does contract HPV, they have a higher likelihood of suffering from lupus. The vaccine works to prevent cancer. There are some reports of HPV vaccines being linked to autoimmune encephalitis if other factors are present, such as:
- genetic susceptibility
- Immune dysfunction after vaccine injection
- The type of vaccine adjuvant
The National Library of Medicine has also studied those with immune-compromised systems. They state Gardasil is safe for those who are immunogenic or immunocompromised. They further state that it is best to adhere to the national guidelines for administration. Reports show that 48% of HPV-DNA-positive patients may also suffer autoimmune disorders.
Weighing the Major Benefits vs. Drawbacks of HPV Vaccines
There are pros and cons to getting the HPV vaccine. It is best to weigh them out according to your situation. HPV impacts over 80 million people nationwide and is transmitted through skin-to-skin sexual contact. Sometimes it will resolve independently, but in other cases, it can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer. The most significant benefit of the HPV vaccine is its protest against HPV 16 and 18, which are cancer-causing strains. Some can also protect against genital warts.
Conversely, the most significant drawbacks are the side effects that the HPV vaccine can cause. Some are rare but life-altering. Additionally, the vaccine doesn’t protect against all cancers, only some. You could still get cancer or other diseases upon receiving the vaccine. Side effects can be so severe you must file a claim with the Federal government with the help of a national vaccine attorney.
Seeking Compensation for Gardasil Vaccine Injuries
If you or a loved one has experienced prolonged side effects from the Gardasil vaccine, you can seek compensation by filing a lawsuit. Your vaccine injury attorney will file your case with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) within three years of noticing the first symptoms.
Your lawyer will then gather comprehensive documentation to support your vaccine injuries, including medical records, details of vaccine administration, and evidence of the injury and its impact on your life.
The VICP will review the claim and supporting evidence to determine eligibility for compensation. If compensation is awarded, it will typically cover medical expenses, emotional trauma, lost earnings, and legal fees.
Contact a Vaccine Injury Attorney Today
While the side effects of the Gardasil vaccine could prove the link between the vaccine and the injuries, you still need legal assistance to navigate the claim process successfully. Our firm boasts over 90 percent success in winning settlements for our clients. A legal advocate will help assess your side effects and present your claim in a compelling way. If you need assistance with your Gardasil vaccine injury claim, don’t hesitate to reach out today for a free case evaluation.