What is the latest news on the vaccine for HPV?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of one of the most prevalent sexually-transmitted diseases in the United States today. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are approximately 14 million new HPV infections recorded in the U.S. each year – and the virus is linked to over 90 percent of all cases of genital warts and anal cancer, as well as virtually all cases of cervical cancer.
Currently, the CDC recommends a three-part vaccination process for girls as young as nine years of age to help prevent HPV. Moreover, the CDC has recommended – and the FDA has previously approved – the use of Gardisil in boys between the ages of nine and 15 years of age, however just 41 percent of males in this age range have been vaccinated for HPV.
In December, 2015, the FDA expanded the age range in which males may receive the Gardisil vaccination, and it is now recommended for male patients between the ages of nine and 26. The drug is already considered part of the “recommended” vaccination schedule for girls of approximately 11 or 12 years of age. Now, the FDA is encouraging providers to add the Gardisil three-part series to the recommend regiment for boys of this age range as well.
- The HPV vaccine is not without controversy, and there have been widespread reports of adverse reactions including: Allergic reactions
- Headache
- Painful injection site
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
In a press release, the Gardisil manufacturer acknowledged the possibility of seizure-like activity immediately following the injection. Moreover, the manufacturer has previously stated that the vaccine does not protect against all strains of HPV, and is only considered effective for HPV strains 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.
If you believe you have been harmed by a vaccination, you should consult with a qualified attorney.