Study Finds Allergic Reactions Uncommon With HPV Vaccine Gardasil

Main Category: Cervical Cancer / HPV Vaccine
Also Included In: Allergy
Article Date: 04 Dec 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Allergic reactions to Merck's human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil are uncommon, and most girls and young women can tolerate further doses in the three-dose regimen, according to a study published Wednesday in the British Medical Journal, Dow Jones/CNNMoney.com reports. Since U.S. approval of Gardasil in 2006, there have been reports of allergic reactions after vaccination, which have been linked to some components of Gardasil, according to Dow Jones/CNNMoney.com (Berton, Dow Jones/CNNMoney.com, 12/2).

The study -- conducted by researchers at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia -- examined reported allergic reactions -- including hives, skin rash and swelling -- among girls vaccinated in the Australian states of Victoria and South Australia. Beginning in April 2007, young women ages 12 to 26 in Australia have received the vaccine as part of a national secondary school immunization program.

Of 380,000 girls and young women who were vaccinated with Gardasil in the two states, 35 reported having possible allergic reactions. Researchers tested 25 of the girls who reported possible reactions and accepted an offer of a detailed evaluation of their symptoms. According to the study, only three of the study's participants -- who were ages 12 and 19 -- had a true allergic reaction to Gardasil. Two of the three girls experienced anaphylaxic reactions, which involve swelling of the larynx, itching and widespread tissue swelling. Nineteen of the participants underwent subsequent skin testing -- involving injection of a test dose of the vaccine under the skin -- which did not produce a reaction. Most of the girls then received further vaccinations without any problems.

The Irish Times reports that headache, fatigue, upset stomach and local swelling at the injection site have been reported after HPV vaccination and, although fainting has occurred in some cases, it is not considered an uncommon occurrence with adolescent immunizations (Houston, Irish Times, 12/3). According to the researchers, reactions such as hives do not increase the risk of adverse reactions in further vaccinations, but girls and young women with suspected allergies to Gardasil should be tested before receiving additional doses (Dow Jones/CNNMoney.com, 12/2). The researchers also noted that some components of Gardasil, including aluminum salts and yeast, previously have been linked with hypersensitivity (Irish Times, 12/3).

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