Gardasil is the brand name for the human papillomavirus vaccine. The shot prevents genital warts and cervical or vaginal cancers caused by human viruses type 6, 11, 16 and 18 in females aged nine through 26 states Drugs.com. Males between the age of nine and 26 can also receive the vaccine to prevent genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11. As with any vaccine, Gardasil can be dangerous for some recipients.
Allergic Reaction
Drugs.com warns recipients against receiving future injections of Gardasil if the first triggered a life-threatening allergic reaction. Signs of this type of reaction include hives, wheezing, chest pain and swelling of any part of the face or mouth. This response to the vaccine is called anaphylactic shock and can result in suffocation. A severe allergic reaction can cause the blood pressure to drop suddenly resulting in the person feeling faint.
Seizures
In rare cases, recipients of Gardasil may experience seizure-like episodes where the body involuntarily moves or tremors. When this occurs, medical attention is necessary and future injections of the vaccine should not be administered.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of Gardasil aren't very common, but when they do occur, the recipient should discuss them with a doctor. It is possible to experience severe stomach pain, chest pain or feeling short of breath states Drugs.com. Some individuals may bruise or bleed easily and experience mental confusion or abnormal weakness in the body. Mild flu-like symptoms are not considered to be normal effects of the vaccine. This includes a fever over 102 degrees, chills, body aches and feeling sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that only one in 65 recipients will experience a moderate increase in body temperature.
Less Serious Effects
Milder side effects are more likely than serious dangerous. eMedTV.com suggests that greater than 1 percent of recipients will experience one or several minor side effects. This can include irritation, swelling, redness and bruising at the site of injection. The Centers for DIsease Control and Prevention suggests that about eight out of 10 recipients develop pain from the inejction and one out of four will develop redness and swelling. A short-term headache, dizziness, fatigue and a mild fever of about 100 degrees can appear within a few hours of the injection. Some recipients develop mild nausea, vomiting and diarrhea states Drugs.com. Short-term insomnia, tooth pain, joint pain and muscle aches can also occur with the Gardasil vaccine. Slight respiratory discomfort, including a runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat and a cough are considered normal effects and nothing to worry about.
