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Data source: VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System)

Data through 2026 · Updated quarterly

Built by TheDataProject.ai · © 2026 VaccineWatch

Important: VAERS accepts reports of adverse events following vaccination. For any given report, there is no certainty that the reported event was caused by the vaccine. Reports may contain information that is incomplete, inaccurate, coincidental, or unverifiable. Most reports to VAERS are voluntary, which means they are subject to biases. This data cannot be used to determine if vaccines cause or contribute to adverse events.

⚠️

Important: VAERS reports alone cannot determine if a vaccine caused an adverse event. Reports may contain incomplete, inaccurate, or unverified information. Correlation does not equal causation.

  1. Home
  2. Vaccine Side Effects
  3. HPV Vaccine
7 min read
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HPV Vaccine Side Effects

The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine prevents cancers caused by HPV, including cervical, throat, and anal cancers. HPV vaccines have been the subject of significant public debate, making transparent data access especially important.

72,946
Total Reports
551
Deaths Reported
3,504
Hospitalizations
19,356
ER Visits

Most Commonly Reported Side Effects

The following symptoms are most frequently reported after vaccination:

#{i + 1}No adverse event
6,896
#{i + 1}Syncope
6,607
#{i + 1}Dizziness
6,600
#{i + 1}Headache
5,447
#{i + 1}Nausea
4,328
#{i + 1}Pyrexia
3,246
#{i + 1}Fatigue
3,179
#{i + 1}Loss of consciousness
3,104
#{i + 1}Pain
2,740
#{i + 1}Incorrect product storage
2,638
#{i + 1}Pain in extremity
2,621
#{i + 1}Vomiting
2,614

HPV Vaccine Versions

  • Gardasil (HPV4): Original quadrivalent vaccine — 4 HPV types
  • Gardasil 9 (HPV9): Current version — 9 HPV types, broader protection
  • Cervarix (HPV2): Bivalent, no longer available in the U.S.

Expected Side Effects

Common:

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site (very common)
  • Fainting/syncope (more common in adolescents — 15-minute observation recommended)
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Fever

Rare but reported:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Blood clots (extremely rare, not clearly linked to vaccine)
  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome (studied extensively, no confirmed link)

The Fainting Factor

HPV vaccination has higher reported rates of syncope (fainting) than most vaccines. This is likely because the vaccine is given to adolescents, who are more prone to vasovagal responses. The CDC recommends a 15-minute observation period after HPV vaccination. Many VAERS reports for HPV are fainting-related rather than indicating serious adverse effects.

⚠️ Remember: VAERS reports show correlation, not causation. A report filed after vaccination doesn't mean the vaccine caused the reported event. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Explore This Data

Gardasil (HPV4) Detail →
Full VAERS profile
Gardasil 9 (HPV9) Detail →
Current HPV vaccine data
Age Patterns Analysis →
How age affects reporting

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