More adverse reactions with HPV, says study

The estimated rate of anaphylaxis in young women after human papillomavirus vaccination was five to 20 times higher than that identified in comparable school-based vaccination programs, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

In the study of 114,000 women, a team of Australian researchers found 12 suspected cases of anaphylaxis, and confirmed eight of these, in a 2007 vaccination program in New South Wales, Australia. The estimated rate of anaphylaxis following HPV vaccination was 2.6 per 100,000 doses administered compared with a rate 0.1 per 100,000 doses administered in a 2003 school-based meningococcal C vaccination program. However, the overall rates of anaphylaxis were low with no associated serious, lasting effects. Symptoms included difficulty breathing, nausea and rashes.