HPV Vaccine: Understanding Long-Term Side Effects and Risks

The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool for preventing certain cancers and diseases, though it can occasionally have unintended side effects for a small number of individuals.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against various strains of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer and other serious health issues. While the vaccine has proven effective in preventing HPV-related diseases, some individuals have reported experiencing long-term side effects after receiving the shot. 

From its licensure in June 2006 through December 2017, more than 80 million doses of Gardasil were distributed in the United States. During this period, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) received 36,142 U.S. reports of adverse events following Gardasil vaccination. Of these, 93% were non-serious, and 7% were classified as serious. (CDC)

Understanding the potential long-term side effects is important for making informed decisions about vaccination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the HPV vaccine is generally safe, but like any medical intervention, it may carry risks. In rare cases, individuals have reported ongoing health issues that significantly impact their daily lives.

Types of HPV Vaccines and Their Risks

There are several HPV vaccines available, each designed to protect against different strains of the Human Papillomavirus. Understanding these vaccines and their associated risks can help in making informed decisions about vaccination.

Gardasil

• Developed by Merck & Co.
• Protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18.
• Linked to preventing cervical cancer and genital warts.
• Gardasil 9 covers nine HPV types (the original four plus five additional types that cause cancer).
• Reported long-term side effects: chronic pain and fatigue.

Cervarix

• Developed by GlaxoSmithKline.
• Targets HPV types 16 and 18.
• Responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.
• Strong safety profile, but rare reports of autoimmune disorders and other long-term side effects.

Gardasil 9

• Provides comprehensive protection by covering nine HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58).
• Similar side effect profile to the original Gardasil.
• Reported long-term side effects: chronic pain and autoimmune disorders.

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Common Long-Term Side Effects

While the majority of individuals experience only mild and short-term side effects from the HPV vaccine, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever, some report more persistent issues. Here are some of the common long-term side effects associated with the HPV shot:

Chronic Pain

A number of individuals have reported experiencing chronic pain after receiving the HPV vaccine. This pain can manifest in various parts of the body, including the muscles and joints, and may persist for months or even years.

Chronic pain and fatigue can severely limit a person's physical capabilities. Activities that were once routine, such as walking, exercising, or even performing household chores, may become difficult or impossible.

Fatigue

Long-term fatigue is another reported side effect of the HPV vaccine. Unlike typical tiredness, this fatigue is persistent and can significantly impact a person's ability to perform everyday tasks.

Persistent pain and fatigue can also affect mental health. Many individuals suffering from long-term side effects experience frustration, anxiety, and depression due to their ongoing health challenges.

Autoimmune Disorders

The HPV vaccine has been linked to the development of autoimmune disorders such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Autoimmune disorders occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.

Financial Burden

The financial impact of long-term side effects can be substantial and often overwhelming. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:

• Medical Treatments: Regular doctor visits, specialist consultations, and ongoing medical treatments can cost between $2,000 and $10,000 per year, depending on the severity and frequency of required care.
• Physical Therapy: Sessions with a physical therapist can range from $75 to $150 per visit, adding up to $3,000 to $7,500 annually if attended weekly.
• Medications: Prescription medications to manage symptoms can cost several hundred dollars per month, totaling approximately $1,200 to $4,800 per year.
• Lost Wages: If individuals are unable to work due to their condition, the loss of income can be significant. For example, if someone earns $50,000 per year and has to reduce their work hours by 50%, they could lose $25,000 annually.
• Additional Expenses: Other out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel to medical appointments and home care services, can further increase the financial stress.

These costs show the impact long-term side effects can have on individuals and their families. This is why seeking appropriate compensation and support is important.

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Legal Options

If you have suffered long-term side effects from the HPV vaccine, there are legal avenues available to seek compensation for your suffering and financial losses. Here’s an overview of the options:

Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program designed to provide compensation to individuals who experience adverse effects from vaccines. The VICP helps those injured by vaccines receive fair compensation without the need for lengthy litigation.

As of June 1, 2024, 920 claims have been filed to the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) for 23 deaths and 897 injuries that occurred after HPV vaccination. (NVIC)

Steps to File a Claim

Filing a claim with the VICP involves several steps:

1. Medical Evaluation: Obtain a detailed medical evaluation to document the side effects and establish a link to the HPV vaccine.
2. File a Petition: Submit a petition to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, including medical records and other supporting evidence.
3. Review Process: The petition will be reviewed by medical experts and legal professionals who will determine if compensation is warranted.
4. Hearing: In some cases, a hearing may be held to present additional evidence and testimony.
5. Decision: The court will issue a decision regarding compensation based on the evidence presented.

What Compensation Can Cover

Compensation awarded through the VICP can cover a variety of expenses and losses, including:

• Medical Costs: Reimbursement for past and future medical expenses related to the vaccine injury.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to the inability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Monetary awards for physical and emotional pain endured.
• Legal Fees: Coverage of attorney fees and other legal costs incurred during the claims process.

Serious Health Issues and Fatal Outcomes

• Reports of serious health issues after HPV vaccination are rare, estimated at around 1.8 per 100,000 HPV vaccine doses (0.0018%). (NCI)
• A study reported that the proportion of reports with fatal outcomes following the HPV vaccine was 0.7% during the period from 2007 to 2017. (JAMA Network)

Vaccine Administration Injuries

• Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is one of the serious risks associated with HPV vaccinations. (Vaccine Shoulder Injury)

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How We Can Help

If you are experiencing long-term side effects from the HPV vaccine, it is important to know that you are not alone and that legal recourse is available. At My Vaccine Lawyer, we are dedicated to helping individuals file a claim for the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).

Our attorneys specialize in vaccine injury cases and offer legal services to support you through every step of the process. We provide a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. Our team will thoroughly review your medical records, gather the necessary evidence, and handle all aspects of filing your VICP claim, making sure that all documentation is accurate and submitted on time.

Choosing My Vaccine Lawyer means choosing expertise, a proven track record, and compassionate care. We represent you in court hearings and negotiations, advocating for the maximum compensation you are entitled to. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that long-term side effects can take, and we are committed to providing personalized legal support.

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