Recognizing HPV Vaccine Side Effects

HPV vaccine lawyer Leah Durant takes a look at common side effects and risk factors associated with Cervarix, Gardasil and Gardasil 9.  

Recognizing HPV Vaccine Side Effects 

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a type of infection that causes warts in both men and women, and for women is also the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV is the most common sexually-transmitted infection in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and it is possible to spread HPV even if you do not have any symptoms of being infected. As a result, the CDC recommends that all children ages 11 to 12 get vaccinated for HPV. Women who are not vaccinated as children can receive HPV vaccines through age 26, and men can get vaccinated through age 21.

In the U.S., there are now three HPV vaccines: Gardasil, Gardasil 9 and Cervarix. Gardasil 9 was only recently approved in December 2014, and is said to be effective in preventing diseases covered by five new strains of HPV.

Unfortunately, while these vaccines can have important, disease-preventing effects, they are also widely known to have certain harmful – and sometimes dangerous – side effects. If you have suffered any of these side effects, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

Common Side Effects of HPV Vaccines

Cervarix, Gardasil and Gardasil 9 have many similar side effects. While some of these side effects are relatively minor on their own, they can often put patients at risk for additional complications. Some of the most common side effects of Cervarix include:

• Fever of 99.5 degrees or higher (1 out of 8)
• Headache or fatigue (1 out of 2)
• Muscle or joint pain (1 out of 2)
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain (1 out of 4)
• Pain (experienced by 9 out of 10 recipients)
• Redness or swelling (1 out of 10)

Individuals who receive Gardasil and Gardasil 9 experience the majority of these side effects as well, though at slightly different rates. In addition, higher fevers (up to 102 degrees) are more common with Gardasil and Gardasil 9. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also warns of these additional potential side effects with Gardasil and Gardasil 9:

• Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
• Chills
• Seizures
• Severe stomach aches
• Shortness of breath
• Skin infections
• Swollen glands in the armpit, neck and groin
• Weakness and confusion

In addition, specific to Gardasil 9, the FDA warns of: abdominal pain, dizziness, sore throat and physical side effects (such as swelling or bruising) in the area where you receive your vaccination.

Fainting and Allergic Reactions

The CDC and FDA also warn of the risks of fainting after receiving Cervarix, Gardasil or Gardasil 9. Fainting while standing can be dangerous, and both agencies recommend sitting or lying down for 15 minutes after being vaccinated in order to avoid the risk of falling. Warning signs that you may be about to faint include feeling dizzy, having blurred vision and ringing in the ears.

Finally, the FDA recommends that you tell your doctor if you experience any of the following after receiving an HPV vaccine, which may be symptoms of an allergic reaction:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Rash
• Wheezing

Have You of Your Child Suffered Side Effects from an HPV Vaccine? Contact Vaccine Lawyer Leah Durant Today

The Law Offices of Leah Durant, PLLC is a national law firm that focuses exclusively on representing victims of vaccine side effects and injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered side effects after receiving Cervarix, Gardasil or Gardasil 9, HPV vaccine lawyer Leah Durant can help make sure you receive the financial compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call our Washington D.C. offices at (202) 800-1711 or contact us online now.