Gardasil HPV Vaccine Safety

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease associated with a number of cancers including cervical, oral, rectal, and others. There are many types of HPV, some of which also cause genital warts.

A vaccine for 4 types of HPV has been introduced by Merck (Gardasil), and GlaxoSmithKline is working on a vaccine (Cervarix) which protects against 2 types.

The vaccines show tremendous promise in dealing with a widespread virus, however, the Women's Health Collaborative is tracking research related to efficacy and safety.

Proposed NYS Vaccination Requirement

As of the end of October 2007, bills for mandatory HPV vaccination of children entering 6th grade in NYS are being considered in both the Assembly (S04394) and Senate (A05810). The WHC strongly opposes the bills, as summarized in our testimony presented during a Senate Public Hearing held October 24, 2007 at the University of Rochester.

Click here to read our testimony against mandatory HPV vaccination for 6th grade students.

Click here to view Rnews coverage of the hearing

Notice of New York State Public Hearing re. Gardasil October 24, 2007 (rescheduled from October 23)