I Want to be One Less: The Rising Concerns of the HPV Vaccine

Certainly by now you’ve heard the buzz about the new “HPV Vaccine” or perhaps you've seen the television commercial campaign "I Want to be One Less." This vaccine was created to help prevent the spread of HPV and the health conditions it can cause. But how much is really known about this new vaccine? And is it safe? Recent reports indicate it might be doing more harm than good in some cases. Read on to find out why there are rising concerns over the HPV Vaccine.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus that affects women of all ages and can lead to such conditions as cervical cancer and genital warts. Recently a new vaccine was released to help prevent contracting the virus, but there has been rising concern about the vaccine and its negative side effects. 

The biggest concerns surround the vaccine produced by drug company Merck, called Gardasil.  There have been more than 8,000 adverse event reports linked to the vaccine, and more than a dozen deaths.

Additionally, one report stated that of 48 women who received the vaccine during pregnancy, 18 experienced side effects that ranged from fetal abnormalities to spontaneous abortions. 

Merck has listed the side effects of the vaccine as pain, fever, nausea, dizziness, and itching, and is quick to remind the public these side effects are typical of most vaccinations.  Paralysis, Bells Palsy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome and seizures were also listed as potential side effects.

Despite the seemingly high occurrence of negative side effects, Merck, the FDA and the CDC maintain that the vaccine is safe and effective. In fact, the CDC reports that of the 7,802 adverse events they investigated, only seven percent were considered “serious,” which is about half the average for vaccines overall.

However, some experts aver that there have not been nearly enough clinical trials and testing to show that the HPV vaccine actually helps more than it hurts. 

One of the other concerns about this vaccine, aside from the negative health effects, is the possibility of some states requiring sixth grade girls to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine before being allowed back to school. 

Both the Washington Post and the Huffington Post have reported additional problems with the HPV vaccine, which has caused confusion among the general public. Unfortunately this is another concern about the vaccine in that it is becoming difficult to determine what to believe and what not to.

Despite the FDA and CDC’s backing of this vaccine, there are many concerns that need to be addressed before it can be considered “safe” for the majority. If you are considering getting vaccinated, you should weigh your options carefully before making any hard and fast decisions.