Schoolgirls hit by reaction to Gardasil jab

-TheWestAustralian

09/06/2008- Schoolgirls are suffering severe allergic reactions to the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil at a far greater rate than for other common vaccines, an Australian study has found.

The issue was raised this week in the journal Medical Observer after an investigation into 12 suspected cases of the severe allergic reaction anaphylaxis after the shots in NSW last year.

Gardasil is used to inoculate schoolaged girls and women aged up to 26 against human papillomavirus at no charge in a national program. Older women can pay for the jab. About 3.7 million doses have been issued with three needed to complete the treatment.

Scientists at the National Centre for Immunisation Research looked at reported cases of anaphylaxis from school-based vaccinations. The study examined the medical history for each case and nurses and doctors who treated the allergic reactions were interviewed.

Eight cases of life-threatening allergic reactions were confirmed with seven of them after school-based vaccinations.

Lead researcher Julia Brotherton said the rate of anaphylaxis after HPV vaccination in NSW was 2.6 per 100,000 doses, higher than the 0.1 per 100,000 for doses of conjugated meningococcal C vaccination in the school-based program in 2003.

Dr Brotherton said severe reactions to the HPV vaccine were rare but more prominent than with other vaccines. It was important people were aware that a severe reaction was possible after a Gardasil injection and that reactions were reported to health authorities.

Therapeutic Goods Administration figures show 1013 suspected adverse events after Gardasil injections in Australia to June this year. Most were mild, such as soreness at the injection site, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. There were 91 reports of urticarial reactions or hives.

The TGA said the rare incidence of allergic reactions from Gardasil did not change any recommendations and adverse events after immunisations were carefully monitored.

A spokeswoman for the vaccine’s manufacturer, CSL, said the company did not believe the study showed a proved increase in the rate of anaphylactic reactions to Gardasil in Australia or in comparison with other vaccines.