HPV benefits need to be re-weighed against old and emerging doubts

-delaware online

08/27/2008- A healthy dose of rethinking is taking place about the lightning-fast approval and blanket promotion of cervical cancer vaccines for adolescent girls and young adult women.This quasi post-mortem is the result of new complaints and lingering fears raised by early naysayers. But even endorsers of the vaccines to treat the human papillomavirus (HPV) that leads to the potentially deadly cancer are raising reasonable concerns.

Additionally, the New York Times had documented the quid pro quo between government officials who endorse calls for mandatory vaccinations, but later show up on the payrolls of pharmaceutical marketers.In states such as Virginia, mandatory laws were passed before or shortly after drug makers signed deals to build new plants. The most troubling case involves the Gardasil vaccine developed by Merck and being targeted to the poorest girls in the country at a cost of $1 billion to the U.S. government.The paper cites independent experts worried that the vaccine may unleash other cancer-causing strains even as they successfully attack known strains.

This concern makes the case for resolving the issue of whether booster shots are needed now, not later.Questions of side effects continue to nag these vaccines, yet reporting is voluntary. Nearly 10,000 cases have been reported, almost all from doctors and nurses, of patients experiencing adverse events after receiving the vaccine. Only 6 percent were classified serious.

There have been 20 deaths. This reporting leeway is enough to wonder what serious side effects or deaths have gone undetected.The risk of cervical cancer is low compared to other cancers -- precisely because of a series of preventive steps taken following the early detection of questionable cells extracted during Pap smears.

Given the growing criticisms, it's worth second-guessing going forward with a public policy decision that affects arguably a vulnerable segment of the population.

If you or a loved one have experienced serious side effects as a result of the Gardasil HPV vaccination such as blood clots, paralysis, seizures, or other Gardasil side effects, you may be entitled to compensation. Pregnant women who suffered a miscarriage or fetal abnormalities following the administration of Gardasil, should contact one of our Gardasil side effect lawyers in order to protect your rights. For more information about a potential Gardasil lawsuit, or Gardasil side effects, fill out our free case evaluation form or call the toll-free number listed below today.