Merck Gardasil Vaccine Injury Cases Sent to North Carolina

Gardasil vaccine maker Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC will have to face a combined federal proceeding in North Carolina by plaintiffs alleging its HPV shot caused autoimmune injury and other harm, the US Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation decided Thursday.

Combining the personal injury suits will make the litigation more efficient, the panel said.

Gardasil is given to prevent human papillomavirus, believed to cause cervical and other cancers. Plaintiffs allege the vaccine causes autoimmune disease and other side effects.

A group of plaintiffs asked the panel in April to send the litigation to the District of Arizona.

The panel said ...