FDA, CDC back Merck's Gardasil shot as safe

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Merck & Co's Gardasil vaccine remains safe and effective for protecting women and girls from a virus that causes cervical cancer, U.S. officials said on Tuesday after reviewing thousands of reports of health problems. Consumers, doctors and others have raised questions about Gardasil's safety but the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the most serious adverse events did not appear linked to the vaccine. "Based on the review of available information by FDA and CDC, Gardasil continues to be safe and effective, and its benefits continue to outweigh its risks," a statement said. The agencies said they reviewed more than 9,700 reports of health problems following Gardasil injections. Six percent of the cases were deemed serious events. They included 20 deaths... [read full story]