HPV, or the human papilloma virus, is a virus that causes genital warts and some kinds of cervical cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have approved an HPV vaccine, marketed under the brand name Gardasil, to protect girls and young women from HPV and its consequences. The CDC reports that as of June 1, 2009, more than 25 million girls and young women between age 9 and 26 were immunized against HPV. The shots are given in three doses spread out over six months. As with any vaccine or medication, the HPV shot may cause minor side effects in some people.
Injection Site Irritation
The most common side effect associated with the HPV shot is irritation at the site of the injection. The skin at the injection site may become red, bruise or itch. Swelling can be a side effect as well. Some women who have received doses of Gardasil may experience pain in their arms.
Headache
A headache is a common side effect associated with the HPV shot. The CDC calls headache and other minor side effects "non-serious" and temporary. Patients who have had the HPV vaccine should consult their doctors to determine if medication is appropriate for treating post-vaccine headaches.
Lightheadedness
Lightheadedness and fainting may occur after receiving the Gardasil vaccine. Fainting is more common in teenagers and younger girls than in adults who opt to get the HPV shot. The manufacturers of Gardasil recommend medical care providers monitor their patients for at least 15 minutes after the vaccine has been given to avoid potential injury due to fainting.
Nausea
Queasiness, nausea and vomiting may be minor side effects of the HPV shot that are also termed "non-serious" by the CDC. Girls and young women should contact their doctors if vomiting continues for more than 48 hours.
Swollen Glands
Enlargement of the glands can be a side effect of an HPV vaccination. Affected glands include the groin area, under the arms and the neck.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
One of the more serious side effects associated with the HPV shot is developing Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). This condition is a disorder of the nervous system and produces muscle weakness. Muscle weakness varies in intensity and can even cause paralysis in some cases. The CDC's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) states that though 2 of every 100,000 teenagers develops Guillain-Barre, there are no statistics showing how many of the affected people were vaccinated against HPV before becoming ill. The occurrence of GBS may or may not be directly related to the vaccine, but potential links have been made.
