Concerns about Gardasil

August 12, 2008 The Centers for Disease Control says Gardasil helps prevent certain types of cervical cancer. The drug has been on the market for more than two years. But in that time, there have been an alarming number of serious adverse reactions and even 21 deaths among users, according to a federal tracking system called Vaers.

In response, Merck, the maker of Gardasil, argues there is no proof that the vaccine caused the deaths. A top CDC official even says the data from Vaers does not prove Gardasil caused the adverse side effects.

The CDC is now doing a study on possible links between Gardasil and side effects. It's due to be released in October.