Independent
Ireland
By Eilish O’Regan Health Correspondent
Wednesday December 08 2010
ADVERSE reaction in more than 100 cases has been reported after the cervical cancer vaccine was given to 45,000 schoolgirls.
There was a widespread take-up of the vaccine offered to first- and second- year girls this term, with around 80pc of parents agreeing their daughters should get the jab.
So far there have been 105 adverse reactions reported to the vaccine, many of them arising out of complications observed in girls who received the jab in school.
But parents have been assured that the reported adverse reactions fall within the expected pattern and are not a cause of concern. They include redness and soreness around the injection site, feeling ill, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms and skin reactions.
Vaccination-related occurrences such as dizziness and syncope (fainting) were among the most commonly reported reactions.
Hypersensitivity reactions were also reported, including a small number of reports of allergy-type reactions.
Before any girl receives the first dose of Gardasil, all parents/guardians receive a fact sheet, consent form and accompanying letter detailing when and where the vaccination will take place and containing a phone number to call if they have any queries.
The fact sheet contains information on possible side effects.
The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) says the benefits of the vaccine exceed its risks and recommend its continued use. The IMB, together with the European Medicines Agency, is continuing to monitor the safety of Gardasil closely.
Eilish O’Regan Health Correspondent
Irish Independent
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