HPV Vaccine Side Effects?

Question

I know of the side effects but what I don't understand is why all of a sudden my arm (the same spot where I got injected) has started hurting again, after a WHOLE MONTH. I got the shot on Feb 4th. And today I noticed I have tiny red spots on my face/neck. They look like they're under my skin. They're not bumpy feeling. Not itchy either. I feel fine! I planned on asking my doctor. But tomorrow is Sunday and right now it's 1 a.m. So I doubt anyone can help me right now. Just wanted to know anyone's opinion. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi. I'm a cytotechnologist, the laboratory scientist that screens your Pap tests.

The HPV vaccine, its long-term effectiveness and side effects are still unknown and controversial.

There have been recent reports of reactions linked to the vaccine that were not reported in the limited trials.

It is important that you see your doctor and report your symptoms. Your information will be entered into a federal database that is used to track and monitor reactions to the vaccine.

Please understand that the vaccine does not prevent cervical cancer. As a cytotechnologist, we intimately know how many different strains of HPV are out there. There are over 100. Of those, we know of at least 12 that are known to cause cervical cancer, and I have participated in research that showed at least 40 others to be linked to cervical cancer.

Gardasil only induces antibody responses against two of those HPV strains.

The most aggressive viral types are not even included in the vaccine.

As a profession, we fear that women will think that they cannot get cancer if they get the vaccine. This is NOT TRUE. You can still get cervical cancer.

It will take 5 years for the full effectiveness of the vaccine to be known. We do not know if there are serious side-effects. Merck did not conduct a 5 year clinical study prior to release of the vaccine. (HPV can lay dormant within the body for decades. It takes at least 5 years for cervical cancer to show up, sometimes longer.) We do not know the long-term effects of the vaccine. Just like Accutane, it can take years of data collection to show that a drug or vaccine is unsafe. In the meantime, Merck continues to campaign and sell their vaccine and make money. They know they have at least 5 years of money before the true effectiveness and side effects are known.

We also know that when you take one strain of virus out of the population, other strains become more prevelant. This scares us as the most aggressive strains are not included in the vaccine.

Please, please, see your doctor. And, get regular Pap tests. And, please tell everyone you know.

Answer 2

There is practically no Side effects of the Vaccine GARDASIL-

So far, every indication is that GARDASIL, the world's first anti-cancer vaccine, has only rare and minor side effects. Clinical trials of more than 11,000 females ages 9 to 26 showed it was 100% effective in preventing cervical cancers linked to two types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease. But no one will know the complete picture until more people are vaccinated for more time. At the moment, Gardasil is so new that scientists aren't sure how long it's effective for.

There is no doubt that Merck's vaccine against the human papillomavirus, given in three shots over eight months, is highly effective. It provides nearly perfect protection against two strains that cause 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer, and against two other strains that cause 90 percent of genital warts cases. (That still leaves 30 percent of the cervical cancer cases to worry about, so women are urged to keep getting regular Pap tests to screen for signs of the cancer.) The side effects are generally mild: pain or tenderness at the site of the injection.

Answer 3

The American Cancer Society says the most frequent side effect is brief soreness at the injection sige. If yours is over a month, it could be because they (whomever did the injection) hit something, your skin is sensitive, etc. They do not feel it's a major risk ( http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_FAQ_HPV_Vaccines.asp )

The Gardasil website states:
"GARDASIL is given as 3 injections over 6 months and can cause pain, swelling, itching, and redness at the injection site, fever, nausea, and dizziness. Only a doctor or healthcare professional can decide if GARDASIL is right for you or your daughter."

http://www.gardasil.com/prescribing-information-about-gardasil.html

Prescribing information PDF, see page 10 for ADVERSE REACTIONS:

http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil/gardasil_pi.pdf


So what do youhave? Could be an infection at the injection site, according to their clincial trials it is possible for you to have pain this late (although it is rare).

If you are feeling sick, however, or anything not normal...get to an urgent care facility and let them know when youhad it, etc. and your Dr's phone number.

Answer 4

the hpv vaccine in my opnion has not been out long enough to know what the real side affects are please talk to your doctor asap how can a shot keep you from getting cancer i dont think so