As mentioned above, from our experience to date, HPV vaccines are considered well-tolerated and safe. The following side effects have been reported in order of frequency:
- Local reaction at the point of injection (pain, redness, and swelling).
- Fever (usually mild), headache.
- Feeling faint immediately after the injection. It is known that fainting episodes may occur after any type of injection. Faintness was observed more frequently in teenage girls, after their vaccination. To avoid any injury from fainting it is recommended that the girl remains lying on her back for 15 minutes after the injection.
- Muscle pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, and other mild side effects have been reported much more rarely.
- Allergic-type reactions. On very rare occasions, severe (anaphylactic) allergic reactions may occur after vaccination. People with severe allergies to any component of a vaccine should not receive that vaccine.
- There have been reported rare cases of ovarian dysfunction after receiving Gardasil vaccine. This is under investigation.