Gardasil Injury Cases

In April of 2017, a cardiologist noted that Catherine suffered frequent episodes of orthostatic lightheadedness, panic attacks, fatigue, abdominal pains, and syncope occurring 1-2x per week. He performed orthostatic vital signs, and his assessment included “frequent dysautonomia symptoms, possibly postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.”

In November of 2017, her doctor who noted continued dizziness and over a dozen episodes of syncope over the past month, difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, severe menstrual cramps, lethargy, chills, shortness of breath and headache. Catherine received her third dosage of Gardasil at this visit.

As the months progressed, so did Catherine’s symptoms, which included dizziness, fatigue, frequent episodes of syncope, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, migraines, hot flashes, pain, and anxiety, among many others. She saw several doctors for her growing list of debilitating injuries and ailments.

Catherine’s symptoms after Gardasil prevented her from participating in activities that a healthy young person her age would normally enjoy. She missed school frequently and was forced to reduce her social and physical activities. After working hard to earn a spot as one of three captains on her color guard team, Catherine was physically unable to perform many of the routines that she had been doing for years.

After high school, Catherine planned to pursue a career working with animals. Her symptoms have forced her to reconsider her dreams. At 22, she walks with a cane that doubles as a seat when she can no longer stand. She struggles to overcome all her Gardasil related conditions and would love nothing more than to be healthy again.

“When all of the things you’ve ever wanted to do are physical and something like this comes along and takes away your ability to simply stay on your feet for more than a few minutes at a time, I can’t express how devastating that is,” says Catherine. “I just want Merck to know that they took from me the opportunity to pursue my dreams.”

“It is unfortunate that pharmaceutical companies are not held to the same standard as doctors,” says her mother, Kathleen Boss. “I feel like Merck has inflicted harm to my child under the guise of providing ‘protection.’”

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina

Date Filed: September 26, 2022

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Autonomic, neurological, heterogenous autoimmune disease, and a constellation of adverse symptoms, complications, injuries, and other adverse events that led to Noah’s wrongful death.

Watch Video: 13-Year-Old Noah Foley’s Untimely Death After Gardasil

Noah Tate Foley received his first and only Gardasil injection on May 7, 2018, just two days after his 11th birthday. Noah enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad, playing games with his younger sister, building Legos, and playing his drum set. He loved school and was active in his church. Most of all, Noah loved his family and treasured the times they spent together.

Prior to the Gardasil shot, Noah had no autoimmune diseases and no autonomic issues. He was extremely healthy, having received a clean bill of health during a medical check-up. Roughly two weeks after the Gardasil shot, Noah experienced fevers that reached as high as 102.9 degrees. His symptoms continued and one week later, his blood was checked to rule out Mononucleosis or other causes for the ongoing fevers. Testing revealed no “cause” for his fevers, which came and went throughout the summer of 2018.

On October 10, 2018, Noah went to the emergency room at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. After examination and blood tests, Noah’s mother, Kelli Foley, was informed that her son’s inflammatory markers were elevated, possibly due to a viral infection. Noah was then referred to the Duke University Infectious Disease department, where blood work revealed that Noah’s white blood cell count had tripled in two weeks.

For months, Noah endured countless doctor visits and testing, including a CT scan and biopsy of a swollen lymph node. Kelli Foley recalled the 35 days between the discovery of the swollen lymph node and a report that ruled out cancer as “long and torturous.” Still, the family had no answers to the underlying cause of Noah’s health issues.

On May 7, 2019, Noah had an appointment for weight loss where the records state:

“Over the past year, [Noah] has had a rough year. He was in his usual state of good health per Mother until he went for his 11-year-old vaccine and well child check-up. After that he continues to have fevers and fatigue. He has been seen by multiple specialists over the past 7 months – starting in October 2018. He has had one lymph node removed from his neck as well as CT scan (neck/abdomen) and MRI to evaluate what inflammatory process may be occurring. He has continued to have fatigue and not feel like himself. It has been noted that over the past year he has lost 20lb despite continued good vertical height growth and continued to eat fairly well…”

Noah’s weight was 69 pounds, his BMI was in the 4th percentile at 14.79, and his inflammatory markers remained elevated.

At a May 21, 2019 pediatric gastroenterology consultation, the assessment discussed an “autoimmune or inflammatory process.”

On the afternoon of September 29, 2020, Noah’s left leg went numb. While his mother rushed him to the emergency room, Noah’s face and tongue went numb. By the time he arrived at the ER, Noah vomited, and by 6:00 p.m., he was completely non-responsive. Noah was transported to Duke University Medical Hospital, where his condition rapidly declined.

On September 30, 2020, Noah was almost completely brain dead. On October 8, 2020, Noah passed away four hours after his breathing tube was removed. He was 13 years old.

According to the Foley’s lawsuit allegations, Noah died of encephalitis caused by an autoimmune/autoinflammatory dysregulation process, which was caused-in-fact by the Gardasil vaccination received in 2018.

“Our faith is very strong, which is why I know that despite the pain our family continues to feel in Noah’s absence, we won’t let his death be in vain.” Kelli Foley says. “We will fight for him in getting justice against Merck for what they did to him.”

“I lost my fishing and hunting buddy, and my daughter lost her best friend,” says Cliff Foley. “They say time heals all wounds, but losing your son is something you never really heal from. Every day, we feel the loss, and it doesn’t get any easier.”

“We have several reasons for pursuing this action against Merck,” the Foleys say. “First and foremost, we want justice for our son, who suffered mightily because Merck never told us that serious adverse effects were possible. We want accountability and acknowledgment that what they’ve done is wrong. We hope that our case will raise awareness and provide other families the opportunity to make more informed choices about the risks associated with Gardasil. Lastly, we want some form of closure, which is something that we’ve never had.”

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: California Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles

Date Filed: July 27, 2022

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Generalized anxiety, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Major depressive disorder, Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Ulcerative colitis

Victoria was 13 when she received the first dose of the Gardasil HPV vaccine. Before Gardasil, she was a student-athlete who earned straight A’s, was involved in ice skating, and played club soccer. She hoped to one day earn a soccer scholarship to play in college and study forensics.

On the day she received her third Gardasil shot, Victoria fainted and hit her head on the window in the examination room at her doctor’s office. Over the next few months, she went to see many doctors and specialists to treat numerous symptoms, including anxiety, body pains, brain fog, cognitive impairment, depression, frequent headaches, hives, insomnia, lightheadedness, and more.

Victoria’s post-Gardasil symptoms prevented her from engaging in the normal activities that a teenager and young adult would enjoy. Her health issues forced her to drop out of high school to complete her schooling at home. She also had to give up her dreams of a career working in the medical field due to her fatigue and other debilitating symptoms. At 20 years old, she cannot work a normal job and relies on her parents for financial support.

Doctors have diagnosed Victoria with the following, which she alleges are HPV vaccine side effects:

• Chronic fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Generalized anxiety
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Major depressive disorder
• Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
• Ulcerative colitis

If she had known about the potential for serious Gardasil side effects, Victoria says she never would have consented to the HPV vaccine. She is pursuing this claim against Merck because she wants other people to learn about her experiences after Gardasil. Victoria hopes that her story can help others make more informed decisions about their health.

“I just want people to know that this happened to me, and it can happen to anyone,” Victoria says. “It is important for me to share my story to help make sure others understand that there are risks. There hasn’t been a day that’s gone by since I received the Gardasil vaccine that it hasn’t affected me. I don’t want this pain for other kids.”

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Date Filed: December 29, 2021

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Vasovagal Allergy, Orthostatic Intolerance (OI)

Maddie was 19 when she received her first Gardasil shot on June 26, 2018. Maddie’s mother trusted the HPV vaccine would help keep her daughter safe from cancer, something she was concerned about after her mother-in-law passed away from cancer.

Before she received the Gardasil vaccine, Maddie was a happy and healthy. She had just completed high school and was looking forward to starting college. An active young woman, Maddie played sports and ran, enjoyed traveling, going on adventures, hanging out with friends, and spending time with her family.

After three Gardasil shots, Maddie’s life has changed dramatically with a myriad of debilitating injuries and ailments. She was diagnosed with a vasovagal allergy to peppers so severe that she had to go to the hospital multiple times to treat her symptoms.

Maddie’s post-Gardasil symptoms include:

These symptoms prevented Maddie from engaging in the normal activities young women her age enjoyed. She could no longer be physically active, struggled to keep up in her classes, and had to move back home for additional support dealing with her medical issues and anxiety.

Now 21, Maddie works incredibly hard to control her symptoms. She still struggles with many day-to-day physical activities, which can leave her feeling faint or lightheaded. She always carries her phone with her in case she suffers an allergy attack.

“When I was growing up, my family would joke that I was bullet proof because nothing really fazed me,” Maddie says. “Since Gardasil, that joke has become something of a mantra because coping with my health issues has required determination and resolve I didn’t know I had. I’ll never know what my life would’ve been like if I hadn’t taken Gardasil. But I do know this—it wouldn’t have been filled with this much pain.”

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Ventura County

Date Filed: February 8, 2022

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Merrick was 18 when he received the Gardasil vaccine in 2016. He had just completed high school and was looking forward to the next stage in his education. Before he received the Gardasil vaccine, Merrick was a happy, healthy young man with many hobbies and interests, including surfing, hiking, working out, playing basketball, going to the movies, building things around his family’s house, working on his car, and playing musical instruments.

​

Minutes after a doctor administered the vaccine, Merrick experienced an odd taste in his mouth, felt dizzy, and almost fainted. He visited the doctor roughly a week later unable to walk, reporting extreme headaches and feeling like he was blacking out, among other issues. His symptoms were so severe he could not walk. Another week went by, and Merrick again had to visit the doctor, this time experiencing weakness, muscle spasms, nausea, sharp pains to the chest, and sensitivity to light and noise.

In August of 2016, Merrick started his first semester at Ventura County Community College where he intended to study music. His light sensitivity symptoms had grown so severe that he had to wear sunglasses. He also suffered from extreme fatigue and had trouble sleeping. Merrick could not finish a semester without dropping or failing a course.

Unable to attend and complete classes due to his severe symptoms, Merrick decided to transfer to Santa Barbara City College (SBCC). But changing schools did not improve his unceasing health issues, which continued to get worse. He now suffered from horrible nausea and would feel the sudden urge to throw up just from drinking water. Eating was painful.

In the end, his symptoms prevented him from keeping up with his studies. SBCC academically suspended him.

Merrick’s post-Gardasil symptoms included:

• Chest pain and pressure
• Chronic fatigue
• Headaches
• Abnormal resting heart rate
• Muscle spasms
• Tingling in arms and legs
• Severe weight loss
• Insomnia
• Cold sweats
• Sensory sensitivity
• Anxiety
• Depression

At 23-years-old, Merrick is no longer physically active, no longer attends school, cannot participate in the hobbies and activities he once enjoyed, and has had trouble finding work. Merrick did not know that Gardasil could cause the long list of symptoms for which he now suffers.

“I don’t think Merck has any regard for me or thousands of other people like me who suffer from post-Gardasil injuries,” Merrick says. “I don’t think they care that they’ve destroyed our chance at pursuing the life we want. It’s time for them to answer for all of this and be held accountable for what they’ve done.”

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Date Filed: January 3, 2022

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis (HOKPP), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Autonomic Dysfunction

Skylee Butler received the Gardasil vaccine at 13. At the time, she earned straight A’s in school and was a member of the student council. She was an avid reader, enjoyed listening to music, browsing the internet, and hanging out with her friends.

Weeks after the Gardasil shot, Skylee experienced back pain throughout her spine. She later had headaches, dizziness, pain all over her body, vision problems, and fatigue. A rheumatologist diagnosed her with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

As time passed, Skylee’s symptoms began to affect her schoolwork. Her headaches made focusing in class incredibly difficult. Reading proved to be difficult, and she developed sensitivity to light, prompting her to wear sunglasses while s

he was inside the classroom. Skylee’s teachers accommodated her symptoms and allowed her to take exams in the classroom storage closets, thus avoiding bright lights.

Eventually, Skylee’s health issues prevented her from living a normal life compared to her peers. Skylee completed the majority of her high school studies at home. She experienced almost daily paralysis episodes that became more intense and long-lasting over time. These attacks sometimes lasted for hours and involved choking, drooling, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, stiff muscles, and hand tremors. She experienced several traumatizing paralysis episodes, including one instance where she felt like she was swallowing her tongue and having difficulty breathing, causing her eyes to roll back.

Doctors have treated numerous symptoms, including (among others):

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Sleep disorders
• Insomnia
• Night sweats
• Tics
• Dizziness
• General weakness
• Body pains
• General paralysis
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Menstrual issues
• Fluctuating appetite
• Light sensitivity
• Tachycardia
• Stomach issues

“When I was younger, it seemed like life was full of possibilities,” Skylee says. “I thought maybe I could move to New York someday and share an apartment with some friends. But Gardasil took all of that away. I don’t dream about an apartment in New York anymore—I dream about things most people probably take for granted, like being able to drive to the mall or go for a bike ride…I dream about feeling normal.”​

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: Superior Court of Monmouth County, New Jersey 

Date Filed: December 1, 2021 

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Autonomic Dysfunction, Narcolepsy, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(ME/CFS) Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN)

Emma Sullivan was 18 years old when she received her first Gardasil shot in 2014. She had been a straight A student athlete, swam competitively, and worked as an ocean lifeguard. Emma’s athleticism in the pool drew interest from college recruiters. But within a matter of weeks of her shot, her life began to take a turn for the worst.

While adjusting to collegiate life at Villanova University, Emma began to experience a host of debilitating health issues. Daily tasks became difficult because she was tired constantly, had severe headaches and joint pain. She also experienced unexplainable weight gain, her heart would randomly start racing out of nowhere, and she had extreme difficulty sleeping. When she was actually able to sleep, her sleep was interrupted with night terrors and sleep paralysis.

Things only got worse after the second shot. She continued to experience severe headaches, joint pain, and extreme vomiting. Emma vomited so much that she had to resort to liquids to help retain anything in her system. Her sleeping issues grew to include night terrors and sleep paralysis.

Emma’s debilitating health problems forced her to take an academic leave of absence her sophomore year. She could not engage in normal student activities because of her various conditions, which included:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Brain fog
• Joint pains
• Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue
• Severe stomach issues
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) tendencies
• Endometriosis
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks

Emma’s post-Gardasil injuries forced her to give up her dream of becoming a nurse. Despite her health struggles, she persevered through college, majoring in psychology and graduating with high honors. She currently works as a designer, though her schedule is less than 8 hours a day because she still copes with brain fog, chronic fatigue, and severe pain.

“I went from an athlete in peak physical shape to an overweight, overtired person seemingly overnight,” Emma says. “I am a shell of what I used to be and feel like all of the hard work and dedication I put into every aspect of my life was taken away from me.”

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: Detroit, Michigan – U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan  

Date Filed: Oct. 1, 2021  

Post-Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Autonomic Dysfunction, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia, Migraines, Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Ashley was just 13 years old when she received three doses of Gardasil between 2012 and 2013. Just days after the shot, she developed headaches, increased trouble sleeping, extreme fatigue, and irritability, among other issues. Months after Gardasil, she developed painful cysts, migraines, dizziness, insomnia, daytime hypersomnolence, cognitive slowing, fast heart rate, heart palpitations, episodes of shaking, hypnagogic hallucinations, ovarian cysts, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, seizure-like episodes, irritability, anxiety, and panic attacks, among other issues.

Her unceasing symptoms forced her to drop out of school. She had to stop cheerleading, one of her favorite activities as a young teen.

“I had no idea that Gardasil was capable of changing my life like this. Even on my best days, I’m still dealing with symptoms that keep me from living the life I want, and that’s not fair.” – Ashley Dalton

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida  

Date Filed: July 30, 2021

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Autonomic Dysfunction (Dysautonomia), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Gastroparesis

Ruby received one shot of Gardasil when she was 12 years old. Before her vaccination, she was a happy and active child who loved to play softball. She was also an excellent student. Ruby scored a perfect FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) score and was awarded a certificate from the Governor of Florida. Less than 1% of students receive a perfect score on the FCAT.

All of that changed after receiving her first and only Gardasil injection. Soon after vaccination, Ruby experienced shortness of breath, nausea, and headaches. She was hospitalized months later for dizziness and persistent nausea. On the way to the hospital, her eyes were rolling into the back of her hear. Doctors treated her for a long list of symptoms, prolonged general fatigue, chronic headaches, migratory joint pain, myalgia, myoclonus, dysautonomia symptoms including orthostatic fainting, gastrointestinal motility, motor dysfunction, abnormal sensation including coldness in limb, limb paresthesia, photophobia, hypersomnia, insomnia, and verbal dyspraxia.

Ruby had trouble keeping up with classes and was forced to leave school and stop playing on the softball team. She could barely attend online college classes and had to put her career dreams on hold due to her extreme fatigue. An overachiever as a kid, it was extremely difficult for Ruby to accept her post-Gardasil limitations.

“When I was a kid, I wanted to study medicine and become a doctor. I believed that pharmaceutical companies were truly interested in advancing science to help people. After what’s happened to me and so many others, I don’t know if I believe that anymore. And just because I have filed this lawsuit does not mean I am ‘anti-vax.’ Clearly, I got the shot, all of my other shots and the Covid vaccine. But my dreams are shattered, and I have lost my quality of life because of Gardasil, and I want Merck exposed and held liable for what they have done.” – Ruby Silver

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina  

Date Filed: July 21, 2021

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Autonomic Dysfunction (Dysautonomia)

Abby received the Gardasil HPV vaccine when she was 19. Before vaccination, she was an active teen who participated in sports, including gymnastics, cross-country, track, and cheerleading.

Within a matter of weeks, Abby noticed that she had rosacea and some other minor issues. Her health entered a steep decline after about a month. She suffered from headaches that were so bad, she often threw up and had to go to the hospital multiple times.

One time while attempting to work out at her gym, she nearly passed out while running on a treadmill. After this experience, she stopped going to the gym. Her symptoms were so severe that she could not even walk up the steps to her apartment.

Roughly a year and a half after her vaccination, Abby was hospitalized because she could barely walk. Her symptoms severe and unbearable, she remained in the hospital for weeks.

Abby had several incidents where doctors labeled her health issues as not serious and anxiety-related. On at least one occasion, her physician ridiculed her for “being ridiculous” about her symptoms.

Abby’s life after Gardasil is radically different than the life she knew as a teen. Even with a strict regime of eating a clean diet, drinking Liquid IV daily, supplementing organic sulfur, and avoiding caffeine, she still suffers from a myriad of debilitating health issues.

“One of the hardest things about life after Gardasil is having people not believe me when I tell them I’m suffering. The pain is hard enough to deal with; when you also have to suffer the indignity of not being believed about that pain, it’s so much worse. I’m doing this because I want others who are dealing with POTS to know that they aren’t alone.” – Abby Stratton

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada  

Date Filed: April 9, 2021

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Autonomic Dysfunction (Dysautonomia), Hypoaldosteronism, Hirsutism

Savannah was 14 years old when she received her first shot of Gardasil. Afterwards, she developed symptoms of fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. Savannah and her parents also noticed an increase of hair growing on her face and chest.

At 15 years, she received her second Gardasil shot. It didn’t take long for her health took a serious downturn. Savannah began to experience symptoms of dysautonomia, such as trembling, shaking, chest pressure, palpitations, and headaches. She was hospitalized twice within weeks of the second injection.

As months passed, she suffered from a long list of injuries and ailments, including dizziness, chest pains, trouble breathing, presyncope, tachycardia and heart palpitations, nausea and stomach cramps, excessive fatigue, difficulty concentrating, vertigo, low blood pressure, blurry vision and visual disturbances, and chronic migraines (among others).

Savannah had no choice but to leave high school her sophomore year. She finished the majority of this grade at home. After graduating, she was unable to attend college classes on campus and had to put her career dreams on hold due to her extreme fatigue.

Savannah persevered through serious health issues for years and now works as a substitute teacher in Nevada. Nevertheless, she still worries constantly about her heatlh after Gardasil.

“I live in fear of the next migraine. It’s scary not knowing at any given time whether I’ll get a migraine or have another symptom that lays me up for a day or more. I miss normal.” – Savannah Flores

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut  

Date Filed: March 30, 2021

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Sinus Tachycardia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Endometriosis, Worsened Hearing Loss, Progressive Vision Loss

Korrine was 15 when she received the Gardasil HPV vaccine. Prior to the shot, she was a vocational agriculture student who excelled in her studies, enjoyed spending time outdoors, singing in multiple choirs, taking care of farm animals, as well as her own animals at home.

Within a few days of the injection, Korrine experienced dizziness and shakiness, headache, and nausea. She also noticed an increased heartbeat and felt faint and unsteady when she stood. In the months that followed, doctors treated her for daily seizures, intractable vertigo and nausea exacerbated by double vision, balance difficulties, fatigue, anxiety and panic attacks, convulsions, sleep apnea and sleep disturbances; depression, cognitive difficulties, numbness and tingling in her lower extremities, involuntary movements, chronic joint pain, and vision and hearing loss.

Korrine was unable to participate in school and choir events in the same manner she used to prior to her Gardasil injections, her physical activities declined, she was constantly tired, dizzy, fatigued or in pain. She was taken out of school and had to complete the majority of her high school classes via homebound and one-on-one tutoring. Korrine had hopes of attending community college but was forced to defer her education due to her worsening physical condition.

“I was a happy kid. But Gardasil has made my life a living hell. The things I loved doing were ripped away from me. … I just want my old life back.”– Korrine Herlth

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: Superior Court for the State of California, County of Orange  

Date Filed: February 2, 2021

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CDIP), Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), Transverse Myelitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Interconnective Tissue Disorder, Autoimmune Pancreatitis (AIP), Autoimmune Hepatitis

Kayla was a happy and active young girl who enjoyed playing musical instruments and had early ambitions to study art. That all changed when at age 12 she received her first shot of Gardasil.

Almost immediately after, Kayla suffered a seizure-like episode which included a staring spell, facial swelling, slurred speech, and a severe headache. Within a few days, she developed migraines, dizziness, and numbness. Over the following months, Kayla also had constant headaches, severe migraines, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations, insomnia, and symptoms of auditory hallucinations and parasomnias. She was hospitalized multiple times after suffering a seizure or collapsing.

Due to her constant and severe symptoms, Kayla had to drop out of high school to complete her schooling at home. She is unable to hold down a job for any significant amount of time due to chronic pain and poor health. She also cannot drive a car because of the risks of fainting or having a seizure while driving. To date, Kayla has had at least four surgeries to remove ovarian cysts. Doctors have told her that she will not be able to have children due to the damage to her reproductive organs.

“One of the hardest things for a mother to hear is your daughter will not be able to have children. Having to be the one to tell your daughter that she won’t be able to get pregnant is a pain that is beyond words.” – Marlena Carillo, Kayla’s mother

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California  

Date Filed: January 21, 2021

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Gastroparesis

Mike received the Gardasil HPV vaccine at age 14. Before the shot, he had earned a second-degree black belt in taekwondo, made Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, was the captain of his academic team, was a member of the robotics club, and played in the band at his middle school.

Mike had always been an early riser with plenty of energy to carry him throughout the school day and for his other activities and hobbies. In the months following his first Gardasil injection, he began to have trouble staying awake for the latter part of the school day. He was exhausted and could barely keep his head up while sitting at his desk. He began to avoid the activities that he used to love due to his extreme fatigue.

After the second shot, Mike had severe foot pain and needed crutches at school. His fatigue also increased, he was having difficulty waking up in the morning and getting out of bed. He developed memory problems, started performing poorly in school and suffered terrible headaches.

Doctors treated him for migraine headaches, pain, chronic fatigue, hypersomnolence (sleeping 15-22 hours in a 24-hour period), tachycardia, tunnel vision on standing, difficulty with concentration and memory, confusion and brain fog, and intermittent or episodic paralysis, among other issues.

As a result of these and other injuries and ailments, Mike missed the majority of high school and had to complete most of the schoolwork at home. After being accepted to a university, Mike and his parents had to sort out extensive accommodations for his impairments. He is disabled and will likely be unable to hold down a normal job or participate in the same activities that he used to prior to his Gardasil-induced injuries.

“So many of the things I loved to do in life were impossible after I was injured by the Gardasil vaccine at 14. Now every morning I wake up feeling as though I am underwater, every muscle slowly trying to respond to the commands I give them. Eventually, I struggle enough to sit up. I reach over and take my medication sitting on my nightstand. After a few hours, I am able to get up and walk the five steps to my desk.” – Mike Colbath 

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin  

Date Filed: November 18, 2020

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Orthostatic Hypotension (OH), Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CDIP), Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), Transverse Myelitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Interconnective Tissue Disorder, Autoimmune Pancreatitis (AIP), Autoimmune Hepatitis

Sahara was 11 years old when she received her first and only shot of Gardasil in 2013. Just before the Gardasil injection, she scored in the top 97th percentile of all Wisconsin students in math. She was active in sports and consistently performed well in school.

Just days after the Gardasil shot, Sahara started vomiting and dealt with severe headaches. She soon began to experience severe body aches, then later had fevers as well. Sahara slept excessively, was extremely fatigue while awake.

Months later, her symptoms included daily migraines, severe body aches; light sensitivity, lightheadedness, nausea, fainting, abdominal pain, severe joint, muscle, and bone pain, legs giving out, and vision issues (among others). These and other symptoms forced Sahara out of school. She was homeschooled and missed out on most of her junior high and all of her high school years.

Roughly three years after the Gardasil shot, her medication regimen to treat numerous symptoms reached 55 pills a day. Today, Sahara receives a very expensive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, which has allowed her to walk again and even go mountain biking.

“We are pro-vaccine. We would have never had Sahara get the Gardasil vaccine if we didn't believe in the importance of vaccines. But since she became sick and disabled within days of getting the shot, we firmly believe her adverse reactions were caused by the Gardasil vaccine.” – Melissa Roglitz-Walker, Sahara’s mother

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: Superior Court for the State of California, County of Orange  

Date Filed: September 16, 2020  

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CDIP), Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), Transverse Myelitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Interconnective Tissue Disorder, Autoimmune Pancreatitis (AIP), Autoimmune Hepatitis

Zach received the first of three Gardasil shots when he was 16 years old. His mom, Jenn Otto, relied upon Merck’s marketing campaign concerning the safety and efficacy of the Gardasil when she consented to her son’s first Gardasil injection. After his second injection, Zach suffered from headaches, pain, cold-like symptoms, enhanced lymph nodes in his neck, and unexplained rashes.

Within days of his third dose, Zach’s knees gave out on him at his job and his mother was forced to pick him up. He experienced many other serious and disabling symptoms over the next few months and sought treatment for chronic pain in joints, orthostatic intolerance, dysautonomia, weakness, hives, osteoporosis, extreme weight loss, chronic fatigue, memory and cognitive issues, brain fog, and many others.

Zach’s post-Gardasil injuries and symptoms forced him to drop out of college for some time. He has not been able maintain employment, and has, at times, been immobile without the aid of a cane for short distances and requires a power-assisted wheelchair for longer distances. Zach is legally disabled and must live with his mother, who is his primary caregiver.

"My life is a constant battle between attempting to improve my life and being held back by my own body's limitations. Gardasil has turned my body into a prison, an anchor that won't afford me the ability to live an independent life and one that significantly restricts my ability to grow as a person. Life with vaccine injuries has been a battle, not just to survive, but to live.” – Zach Otto

Gardasil Lawsuit Filed in: U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island  

Date Filed: August 19, 2020  

Post Gardasil Injuries Cited in Complaint: Autonomic Dysfunction (Dysautonomia), Fibromyalgia, Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Julia was 13 years old when she received two shots of Gardasil in 2014 during a routine physical examination as part of eligibility to be a Pop Warner Cheerleader. After the first shot, Julia experienced flu-like symptoms, including achiness, headache, nausea, and fever. She soon suffered from intense ear pressure, tinnitus, and headaches. After her second shot Julia again had flu-like symptoms with almost daily headaches, ear pains, and dizziness. Those symptoms continued, along with migraines, postural dizziness, and vertigo.

As months passed, Julia was unable to engage in normal activities that a teenager would enjoy. She no longer could participate in cheerleading in the same manner she used to prior to her Gardasil injections, her physical activities declined, she was constantly tired, dizzy, fatigued or in pain, she missed a substantial amount of school. She completed the majority of her high school classes via on-line courses as she could not physically attend school in a normal fashion due to her deteriorated medical condition.

“It’s too late for my daughter. The damage is already done, but it’s not too late to warn other parents about the truth about Gardasil…I want Gardasil off the market so my grandkids and other children don’t have to needlessly suffer these injuries.” – Michaela Balasco, Julia’s mother