Question

What are the risks of taking the Gardasil vaccine?

Answer

Local irritation at the injection site is the most common side effect of the vaccine, and some women had a mild fever. A recent concern was brought up about reports of deaths in women who took the vaccine, but these deaths WERE NOT RELATED TO THE VACCINE ITSELF. If a woman had the vaccine and got hit by a car 2 weeks later, a death would be reported, but not attributable to the vaccine.

The number of deaths in the vaccine group is no greater than that in the population of women not taking it, and there has been no causal relationship to the vaccine. It is FDA approved and recommended, and I have no hesitation about the safety of the vaccine.

GARDASIL is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.


Wendy Fried, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is an OB/Gyn with Northern Obstetrics and Gynecology, PC in North Hills, New York

Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Only your own physician knows all the important details of your specific medical and personal history and should be the only one to give you advice regarding your own medical care. You should never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice or treatment because of something you have read herein. If you have any questions whatsoever about your medical health or believe you have a medical problem or disease, you should contact your medical doctor or healthcare provider.