Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?

(CBS)  When Barbara Archiello's doctor recommended a vaccine to prevent cancer of the cervix, she jumped at the chance.

"I think it's just a great thing for women to have," Archiello said.

But the most comprehensive look at the side-effects of since the HPV vaccine was approved in 2006 raises questions about its safety, reports CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook.

In Tuesday's Journal of the American Medical Association, the CDC reported more than 12,000 side effects after 23 million doses were distributed. Ninety-four percent of the problems were not serious but 6 percent were, including patients who were hospitalized, permanently disabled or died. There were 32 deaths - one in over 700,000 doses.

"It really isn't an increase with what we've seen with other vaccines and what is seen regularly with people of that age group," said Dr. Barbara Slade, with the CDC.

But problems that did occur more frequently than expected were fainting - about once every 12,000 doses, and blood clots, once every 500,000 doses.

"The reporting on blood clots was concerning to CDC, concerning in the way that we think it needs further investigation," Slade said.

Critics question the vaccine maker's aggressive ad campaign, because it paid medical societies to help spread the word, and underplayed the importance of evaluating the vaccine's risks and benefits.

"It screeched the message, 'all women are at equal risk, protect yourself from cervical cancer, and this is the way to do it,'" said Dr. Sheila Rothman, author of the JAMA article. "The fact that the medical societies repeated this message is what concerns us."

Merck says after reviewing the new report of adverse events, it continues to be confident in the safety of the vaccine. While the CDC and FDA continue to recommend its use, doctors say they'll look at the HPV vaccine for girls and women on a case-by-case basis.

"If you're going to administer the vaccine, you should discuss these risks with your patient and do a risk assessment." Said Dr. Daniel Smith, with Hackensack University's Medical School.

Something else to consider for parents uncertain about whether to have their daughters vaccinated - Routine pap smears can also help prevent cervical cancer.

[vernmargaret]

The marketing of this vaccine is so misleading and incomplete. What they don't tell you:

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. The vaccine doesn't protect against any other STDs such as genital herpes, HIV/AIDS or venereal disease, nor does it protect against unintended pregnancy. It is not a license to engage in unsafe sex.

The drug companies have to address these issues when they advertise Viagra and Levitra. Why don't they tell girls and their families the whole story?

[hrtrue]

My daughter has had her 1st dose of the vaccine. She did almost faint and was pretty listless & had a fever, headache for a couple of days. I am considering cancelling her second dose. It's all very unsettling what's come out about the side effects. I was extremely pressured into this. At the Dr.'s office a year ago, I turned it down because my daughter had a past reaction to the MMR and has asthma/is sensitive. I also questioned why they didn't feel she needed to see an OBGYN yet, but should have this shot now. I was treated like an abusive, negligent parent if I didn't have her get it.

[kimsl]

You made a wise choice. I tell all my friends that consider this vaccine for their daughters to please go to the FDA website under vaccines and biologics and there you will find the approval letter from the FDA to Merck about half way down yoou will see that merck is still to provide data based on there pre approval Sept 2010 and 2013 and 2017 How could this be a good thing Our daughters are being used like lab rats. Also remember VIOXX by Merck was pulled finally after many people died. Also Cervical cancer in one of the lower cancers I believe 12th. Regular Pap smears will detect it early. They are just scaring everyone Always look at who is benefiting with the big Pharma it is always money and Mercks stock had fallen drastically after they pulled vioxx so they used a major marketing firm to do all those advertisments and cause a fear among mothers what is the worst fear you would have not protecting your daughter right Do you see those ads now. They are already retracting. I hope this is informative. Stay aware.

[robinspp]

It is unfortunate some politicians made mandatory to have the vaccine for girls in their state without knowing anything about the safety of the vaccine. They should be prosecuted.

[daisysh]

My daughter was injured and required surgery. Do you know if there is any help with medical bills?

[vaughnmr]

I just checked, 12,000 in 23 mil = .05% with side effects, extremely good. Why all the fuzzy math being touted?? Does CBS want to fudge the numbers? Is this honest reporting, or a political sway report.

[cattiej]

Is the HPV Vaccine Safe? No! More women will die of Aids than cervical cancer. Stop having sex with different men and you won't have a problem. Don't you know the word NO!

[shutout2730]

I know a better way for women to reduce their risk of developing HPV.

[shutout2730]

I know a better way for women to reduce their risk of HPV.

[stevador39]

The side effects of this vaccine is not worth it for most women, especially very young girls. All the pharmaceutical companies care about is money. There is no way to know what the long term effects may be.