Jenny was a healthy, happy 13-year-old from Northern California until about 15 months ago when signs of muscle deterioration began appearing.  At that time, she’d also completed the third and final dose of Gardasil, the vaccine given to guard against contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV), linked to a large number of cervical cancer cases.  Cervical cancer is the second most deadly form of cancer in women.  Today, her mother describes Jenny as almost completely paralyzed.

In an interview with CBS News, Jenny’s parents say that although there is no conclusive evidence linking Jenny’s paralysis to her HPV vaccine, they believe the case should be investigated.  Merck, the vaccine’s manufacturer, says Jenny’s medical information suggests the vaccine was no more responsible for Jenny’s degenerative muscle disease than other explanations might be.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for Gardasil in 2006.  Since then, almost 8 million American girls have received at least one of three shots required of the vaccine.  There have been almost 13 million doses of the vaccine administered thus far.

In an effort to call attention to the possibility of adverse side effects associated with the vaccine, Jenny’s father has started a blog, on which he calls on all girls and their parents to report any ill effects they feel might be associated with the vaccine (www.jenjensfamily.blogspot.com).

Although the drug was thoroughly tested before getting FDA approval, the risk of adverse effects is real although no specifically known medical problems have been proven to be linked to the vaccine at this time.  Jenny’s case is being reviewed by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) but no conclusive link has been established.

Both the FDA and the CDC maintain reporting systems for adverse side effects and both agencies urge everyone to report all concerns to them for thorough investigation.  These agencies take all complaints very seriously and will investigate all concerns filed, whether or not there is medical documentation to link them to Gardasil and regardless of how long ago the vaccine was administered.

Source: CBS News