Girls reporting pain after Gardasil vaccine

Health officials have touted the Gardasil vaccine as an important new protection against the cancer-causing Human Papilloma Virus, which is transmitted sexually.

In recent months, there have been reports of pain and fainting from the shot. Health officials say girls have reported that the vaccine stings after the needle has been removed. Some of the patients say the injected arm also hurts for one or two days afterwards.

Doctors say the sting comes from the virus-like particles in the shots. They do not suspect the anticipated discomfort is keeping girls from getting the vaccine.