I just pulled this off the CDC site this morning:

"Safety of the HPV vaccine
This vaccine has been licensed by the FDA and approved by CDC as safe and effective. It was studied in thousands of females (ages 9 through 26 years) around the world and its safety continues to be monitored by CDC and the FDA. Studies have found no serious side effects. The most common side effect is soreness in the arm (where the shot is given). There have recently been some reports of fainting in teens after they got the vaccine. For this reason, it is recommended that patients wait in their doctor�s office for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine.


Cost and Paying for the HPV vaccine
The retail price of the vaccine is about $125 per dose ($375 for full series)."

There was no data on serious adverse effcts or Medwatch reports on the FDA website. See: http://www.fda.gov/cber/products/gardasil.htm

Also: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/DrugSafety/DrugIndex.htm

I am not surprised that there is much mis-information about this drug because of far right religious concerns. Conversely almost all drugs, even OTC can have adverse effects.

Further complicating the adverse effects data is the fact that it's possible that the adverse effect may not even be related to the medication. FDA guidelines are that ALL adverse effects must be reported whether or not proven to be related to the medication.

It's effect is to make it almost impossible for the average patient to sort out what is a legitimate concern or a rare or even unrelated anomaly. That's why oftentimes, a consult with the pharmacist is a good idea.

Ambulance chasers love this and play on the emotional, political and religious aspects, (and the general distrust of pharmaceutical companies) you are bound to have to make a controversial decision.

The ultimate decision here has to be guided by risk/benefit like all decisions for medical intervention.