We have all heard about this vaccine on the TV. Advising us to get this shot for our daughters. That this shot MAY help prevent cervical cancer. It is being advertised with the words ‘because I want to be one less’. This always reminds me of other drugs that have been put out there for woman only later to hear of lawsuits or that they have been taken off the market.

My daughter (18) has been given this vaccine while she was at our local clinic getting her shots updated for college .She informed me on the phone that her arm was very sore and she felt sick to her tummy. I asked about the type of shot that were given .I was not happy to learn that she had gotten this new shot, and asked her if they had informed her about the vaccine. She was told that this shot would prevent cervical cancer. I was shocked that the clinic would say that to her as if it was a certainty. They failed to inform her of the side effects from this shot as well. She was sick for 2 days and the injection site was swollen, red and sore. Her head hurt for a week and she wasn’t hungry .She had a hard time sleeping because when she moved it hurt her. These are minor things .But they are things that should be told to the girls getting this shot. No long term large group study has been taken and that brings me to the conclusion that my daughter is now on this study long term group .She has taken the 2^nd shot already and being that she is 18 it is her right to decide to get the rest of this vaccine.

What guide lines do the FDA and the CDC take when approving new drugs? Every day we see new lawsuits against the drug companies for injury suffered taking these new drugs. I have researched this drug that has been considered a great breakthrough for woman. It seems that the side effects are mild and not anything to be concerned about. Going so far as to say the adverse effects cannot be proven to be this new vaccine fault. The company that makes this drug (Mecrk) did their own clinical test trial, witch included 20,000 women. Of that number only 1,200 were girls under the age of 16. The trial only followed them for 18 months. Now this vaccine is being pushed to girls ranging from the age of 11 to 12 years of age. The fact that a non bias testing group was not selected to test this drug is very disturbing( other companys was given money from Merck to conduct their test  and in my book that is not  a independent testing trial). The fact remains that drug company are there to make money and the faster a drug get out in the market the more money they will make .

The side effects and the Permanente damage I have read about has made me wish my daughter had been better informed before she took this shot. Below are some of the side effects reported after taking the shot.

Mild side effects

Headache

Nausea

Pain at injection site

Swelling

Fainting

Fatigue

Fever

Rash

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Cough

Toothache

General ill feeling

Joint pain

Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

Stuffy or runny nose

Sore throat

Upper respiratory tract infection (such as the common cold)

Muscle pain

Dizziness.

Very high fever

Weakness, tingling, or paralysis (which may be signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome)

Signs of an allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, wheezing, an unusual skin rash, itching, or hives.

Below is a list of rare side effects that the drug company say cannot be proven to be the cause of this vaccine

Gastroenteritis, inflammation of the stomach and intestines, vomiting or diarrhea usually accrue alone with this

Appendicitis

PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease) an infection or inflammation in the pelvic area that can lead to infertility and other problems

Asthma or bronchospasms

Blood clots in the legs or lungs

Seizures

Guillain-Barré syndrome.

There have been other reports of death and other serious illness after the vaccine has been taken, as of yet this drug is still being given to woman and girls.

I understand that this is a very hopeful drug for cancer, yet I still have deep concerns about the things I have read of other parent’s stories .These reports cannot be dismissed as just happening at the same time. Even if a combined problem exists with these awful illnesses it needs to be looked into very carefully and better warning and education for the public should exist. There should be a better form of education  with both pros and cons to the drug and the denials need to stop and a deep investigation should be done.

Instead we seem to have these things going on that tells us “you prove my drug caused this “attitude.

Soon I expect to see ‘Take at your own risk’ on the labels of our drugs.

Is the Vaccine Safe?

Yes, the studies show that the vaccine is extremely safe. There are no live viruses in the vaccine. The most common side effects are redness and soreness where the shot was given. Headaches (like when you have a cold or fever) are also common. Fever can also occur. Over-the-counter pain and fever medications will help if you have symptoms.

As with any new medication, safety issues will continue to be monitored.

http://www.cervicalcancercampaign.org/ccfacts/vaccine.html

I really do hope that this drug will be able to do what the company claims. But upon my research so far I don’t think I want one of my daughters to be in the 7% that have severe side effects after taking this drug. My oldest daughter has researched on her own and decided to not complete the vaccine shots. I left it up to her and told her no matter what she decides I would stand by her decision. But my 15 year old will not be getting the shots at all, at least not until she is old enough to do so without my permission. Again at the age of 17 I will leave it up to her to decide.

Before parents get this shot on blind faith of the CDC and the FDA I encourage you to look at the whole picture and then make the choice. I am not against this drug at this time .neither am I for it. It is just too new and no long term results are there for us to know what effect this will have in 10 years to the young girls that take this shot.

We as women should be informed and empower our young ladies to ask the questions and not take it on word of drug companies or even doctor and ask the hard questions when it comes to our health. After all medical researchers and doctors are not GOD(S).