# Gardasil side affects and future programs **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 7, 2009, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770 "2009-02-07T01:23:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2009, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/41 "2009-02-11T04:23:39Z")
Someone – anyone – can spend a substantial amount of time reading about vaccinations for years and years. There is certainly plenty of information available about it. What is more important than the amount of time spent reading is the reputation of the sources that you read (peer reviewed studies such as those published in JAMA, for example) and the preparedness of the reader (the ability to read with comprehension and a lack of bias.) ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2009, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/42 "2009-02-11T04:37:02Z")
**Really** , yes it can be re-administered. Studies are ongoing to see if boosters should be recommended. The riskiest age for risky behaviors is through the twenties and if it lasts them that long then the additional protection gained by not be worth the additional costs overall (if it is even worth the cost now - an open debate). ---
**Author:** ![Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sophistry_and_Illusion)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2009, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/43 "2009-02-11T07:50:03Z")
> [@bouv](#): > > So **InterestedObserver** , you are completely anti-vaccination? Does that include all current and past vaccines? Because I’m curious if you really think the world would be better off if there was never a global effort to eradicate smallpox and polio (I know polio is still around, but it is significantly reduced)? Should we just have let everyone get “natural” immunity to these diseases? It would have been better if we let the whole world get it and have 1/3 of them die, with even those not dying still suffering in horrible agony? **InterestedObserver** , I would really like to see you respond to this question. Do you think that we never should have started vaccinating for all the diseases (smallpox, polio, measles, diphtheria, etc.) that have been more or less eradicated from the US (and in some cases the world)? ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2009, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/44 "2009-02-11T17:42:44Z")
> [@Zoe](#): > > Someone – anyone – can spend a substantial amount of time reading about vaccinations for years and years. There is certainly plenty of information available about it. What is more important than the amount of time spent reading is the reputation of the sources that you read (peer reviewed studies such as those published in JAMA, for example) and the preparedness of the reader (the ability to read with comprehension and a lack of bias.) Celebrity antivaxer Jenny McCarthy proudly talks about having earned the equivalent of a PhD from the University of Google. You could spend vast amounts of time reading online antivax literature from the likes of whale.to, Age of Autism, [naturalnews.com](http://naturalnews.com), the “National Vaccine Information Center” and hordes of other unbalanced, inaccurate and downright loony sites. It’s amazing how much work one can put into being completely ignorant about immunization. ---
**Author:** ![InterestedObserver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@InterestedObserver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InterestedObserver)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/45 "2009-02-14T10:03:09Z")
> [@Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](#): > > **InterestedObserver** , I would really like to see you respond to this question. Do you think that we never should have started vaccinating for all the diseases (smallpox, polio, measles, diphtheria, etc.) that have been more or less eradicated from the US (and in some cases the world)? Just getting back to this thread (and finding the expected flotsam and jetsam :rolleyes:). Look, the main reason I stayed away was that my son is taking 2 AP courses this year and tends to monopolize the computer as a result, but I didn’t really miss it since i knew it would come down to this; a debate of vaccines in general when this thread is about one vaccine in particular…I don’t want to hyjack the thread going on about CP vax or vaccines in general. If you want to do that, contact me privately ([raven333@comcast.net](mailto:raven333@comcast.net)) or buy the book I am writing on the subject. I gave my honest, educated opinion on the OP’s question and it has melted down into all this. :smack: Seriously, I simply do not have the time to fill everyone in on every detail of this very complex subject in this forum ( I used to play that game, but I’m older and wiser now and expect my debate partners to be up to date on the basics before I even consider engaging them. Too much wasted time citing the obvious/widely known before the play can begin.:smack:) ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2009, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/46 "2009-02-15T18:15:27Z")
A response to **Interested** ’s last post [resides](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=10830652#post10830652) in the Pit. ---
**Author:** ![Sarahfeena](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarahfeena/32/519_2.png) [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2009, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/47 "2009-02-15T23:12:23Z")
> [@InterestedObserver](#): > > Just getting back to this thread (and finding the expected flotsam and jetsam :rolleyes:). Look, the main reason I stayed away was that my son is taking 2 AP courses this year and tends to monopolize the computer as a result, but I didn’t really miss it since i knew it would come down to this; a debate of vaccines in general when this thread is about one vaccine in particular…I don’t want to hyjack the thread going on about CP vax or vaccines in general. If you want to do that, contact me privately ([raven333@comcast.net](mailto:raven333@comcast.net)) or buy the book I am writing on the subject. > > I gave my honest, educated opinion on the OP’s question and it has melted down into all this. :smack: > Seriously, I simply do not have the time to fill everyone in on every detail of this very complex subject in this forum ( I used to play that game, but I’m older and wiser now and expect my debate partners to be up to date on the basics before I even consider engaging them. Too much wasted time citing the obvious/widely known before the play can begin.:smack:) Did you know that at least 2 of the posters in this thread are physicians, and I believe one of them is a pediatrician? Are you asserting that you have more knowledge of the “basics” than they do? ---
**Author:** ![MissIntent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/97f17d/32.png) [@MissIntent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissIntent)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/48 "2009-02-16T02:30:42Z")
> [@bouv](#): > > So **InterestedObserver** , you are completely anti-vaccination? Does that include all current and past vaccines? Because I’m curious if you really think the world would be better off if there was never a global effort to eradicate smallpox and polio (I know polio is still around, but it is significantly reduced)? Should we just have let everyone get “natural” immunity to these diseases? It would have been better if we let the whole world get it and have 1/3 of them die, with even those not dying still suffering in horrible agony? I would also really like to hear InterestedObserver’s answer to this question. The question isn’t complex enough to direct us toward reading a yet unpublished book, it would fit in well here. ---
**Author:** ![Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sophistry_and_Illusion)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/49 "2009-02-16T09:34:35Z")
> [@InterestedObserver](#): > > I…expect my debate partners to be up to date on the basics before I even consider engaging them. We expect that, too. Imagine our disappointment when you think it advances the debate to propose a mechanism for explaining why A (thimerosal) causes B (autism) when it has been established that there is no correlation between A and B, or when you think that breastfeeding and avoiding refined sugar are better polio-prevention strategies than vaccination. Both of which you do [in this post.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=10826328&postcount=52) So, yes, please educate yourself on the basics before returning. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2009, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/50 "2009-02-16T13:36:01Z")
> [@LavenderBlue](#): > > HPV is not just about cervical cancer. Infection also increases the risk of other cancers as well: Add [oral cancer](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22956090/) to that list. > [@](#): > > The sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer in women is poised to become one of the leading causes of oral cancer in men, according to a new study. > > The HPV virus now causes as many cancers of the upper throat as tobacco and alcohol, probably due both to an increase in oral sex and the decline in smoking … Experts say a primary reason for male vaccinations would be to prevent men from spreading the virus and help reduce the nearly 12,000 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in U.S. women each year. But the new study should add to the argument that there may be a direct benefit for men, too. > > “We need to start having a discussion about those cancers other than cervical cancer that may be affected in a positive way by the vaccine,” said study co-author Dr. Maura Gillison of Johns Hopkins University. … Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. It also can cause genital warts, penile and anal cancer — risks for males that generally don’t get the same attention as cervical cancer. > > Previous research by Gillison and others established HPV as a primary cause of the estimated 5,600 cancers that occur each year in the tonsils, lower tongue and upper throat. It’s also been known that the virus’ role in such cancers has been rising. So getting back to part of the op - “Should this product be pushed on young boys given there are no direct health benefit?” - there does indeed seem to be some direct health benefit to males. The question not asked is the one that I have: Is expanding use of this safe but expensive vaccine worth the money given that in America relatively few lives will be saved (even the oral cancers caused by HPV are usually treatable)? ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2009, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/51 "2009-02-17T01:09:24Z")
I have a question for you guys. I’m still on the fence about Gardasil for my daughter: I cannot find any information as to whether it’s safe for type 1 diabetics. Can anyone shed light on this at all? ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2009, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/52 "2009-02-17T03:02:42Z")
Safe for individuals with Type 1 diabetes. It’s contraindications are immunosuppression, low platelet count, hemophilia, pregnancy, anticoagulant use, hypersensitivity to any of its components, and if moderately ill or worse (such as an acute febrile illness at the time of the shot). Just remember to have her stand up slowly - some girls faint after it. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2009, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/53 "2009-02-17T03:07:46Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > Safe for individuals with Type 1 diabetes. It’s contraindications are immunosuppression, low platelet count, hemophilia, pregnancy, anticoagulant use, hypersensitivity to any of its components, and if moderately ill or worse (such as an acute febrile illness at the time of the shot). Just remember to have her stand up slowly - some girls faint after it. Thanks! I couldn’t find that info anywhere. My Google-Fu fell short. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2009, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/54 "2009-02-17T03:49:04Z")
> [@Juliana](#): > > Thanks! I couldn’t find that info anywhere. My Google-Fu fell short. Though really, the best answer is to ask your doctor. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2009, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/55 "2009-02-17T05:25:10Z")
Always good to talk to your own doctor, but you’re welcome. The whole [monograph](http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:8_Jv7zhsez0J:www.pbm.va.gov/monograph/Gardasil.pdf+gardasil+contraindications+monograph&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us&client=firefox-a) is available on-line and the totality of precautions/contraindications is > [@](#): > > Precautions > In the case of a febrile illness, the decision to administer or delay the quadrivalent vaccine is dependent > upon the severity and the etiology of the illness. Mild fever in the setting of an upper respiratory illness > should not be considered a contraindication to vaccination. > Individuals with an impaired immune response may have a reduced antibody response. > Similar to other intramuscularly administered vaccines, the quadrivalent vaccine should not be given to > individuals with bleeding disorders or to those patients treated with anticoagulants unless the benefit is > believed to outweigh the risk of bleeding. > Pregnant women should not receive the vaccine. If a woman becomes pregnant during the vaccination > series, the remainder of the series should wait until after delivery. > Contraindications > The quadrivalent vaccine is contraindicated in those with hypersensitivity to the active substances or > excipients contained in the vaccine.Individuals with a history of immediate hypersensitivity to yeast should > not receive the vaccine. Those who exhibit hypersensitivity after receiving a vaccination should not receive > additional vaccinations with the quadrivalent product. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2009, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770/56 "2009-02-17T05:56:24Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > Safe for individuals with Type 1 diabetes. It’s contraindications are immunosuppression, low platelet count, hemophilia, pregnancy, anticoagulant use, hypersensitivity to any of its components, and if moderately ill or worse (such as an acute febrile illness at the time of the shot). Just remember to have her stand up slowly - some girls faint after it. Since it’s a multi-stage shot, wouldn’t it be prudent to re-think the spacing of them if there’s a strong reaction to the first shot? looks like you answered it with the last post. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardasil-side-affects-and-future-programs/484770.md?page=2)