This article found in Nature medicine, speaks on the potential risks of Gardasil, the first vaccine for human papilloma virus, that were previously overlooked. Earlier trials of the vaccine overlooked and did not take in to account many circumstances. Studies initially done did not run for a sufficient amount of time to prove that the vaccine would protect girls younger than 16. Also, Gardasil was not checked for long term side effects, if it would remain active beyond five years, or if it would produce side effects when given with other vaccines. Due to these risks not already addressed scientist are conducting studies to answer these disregarded questions. According to the US Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System as cited in this article Gardasil seems to atleast be safe in the short-term. With the Vaccine Safety Datalink health care providers plan on tracking records to make sure that the side effects of Gardasil are normal. Also, many companies are partnering together to track the safety of this vaccine in rural countries whom could not do so themselves.
The major rhetorical devices the author uses are to inform and to assure. Although the author gives information suggesting that their may be risks to Gardasil not yet tested, he then cites reliable resources (i.e the US Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System) who states that the vaccine has proven to be safe thus far. This information proves to be reliable since it was obtained from Nature medicine, an internationally respected journal for biomedical research. Overall this article is biased, when informing one of the negative the author also makes sure to inform one of the positive actions taken to remove the negative side effect. The goal of this writing is ultimately to reassure that Gardasil is a safe vaccine.
1Keim B. 2007 March 28.Nature medicine home page.Controversy over cervical cancer vaccine spurs safety surveillance <http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v13/n4/full/nm0407-392b.html>.Accesed 2008 Feb. 18>
