Gardasil approval denied

The FDA has denied approval for the use of Gardasil (a vaccine that is supposed to prevent cervical cancer caused by the human papilloma virus) stating that more long term research needs to be done.  The maker of the vaccine (Merck) also has appeared in courts for lawsuits agains their drug Vioxx.  Looks like their on a roll.

There have been numerous reports about adverse reactions such as death after the administration of the vaccine.  (See Post)

On the Merck website they state:

GARDASIL is contraindicated in individuals who are hypersensitive to the active substances or to any of the excipients of the vaccine.

Source: http://www.merck.com/newsroom/press_releases/product/2008_0708.html

How does one know if they are hypersensitive to the substances within the vaccine, if they’ve never had exposure to that substance?  Oh, yeah, if they have a reaction, then they know that they’re sensitive.

The CDC website contains a report about the adverse reactions to the vaccine:

As of August 31, 2008, there have been 10,326 VAERS reports of adverse events following Gardasil vaccination in the United States. Of these reports, 94% were reports of events considered to be non-serious, and 6% were reports of events considered to be serious.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaers/gardasil.htm

My Suggestions: do your research and form your own opinion.  Get all the information you can so that you can make a true informed decision.

Be well…