Danish health authorities looking into HPV vaccines

Survey reveals that most girls experiencing side effects have been active in sports at a high level

The Danish health authorities Sundhedsstyrelsen has asked the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to re-evaluate the risk profile of the HPV vaccine’s side effects.

The news comes in the wake of numerous reports from girls and young women across the nation complaining that the vaccine has led to symptoms including dizziness and irregular heartbeat.

“Sundhedsstyrelsen has asked for a European evaluation because we have received new reports of alleged side effects of the HVP vaccine,” said Henrik G. Jensen, a spokesperson from Sundhedsstyrelsen.

“It is a concerning development among the many girls and their families and via the EU we must look into the possibility that there is a link between the symptoms and the vaccine.”

READ MORE: New and improved HPV vaccine

Active girls more at risk
According to a recent documentary by TV2, symptoms are particularly prevalent in girls active in sports. A survey from Frederiksberg Hospital showed that 75 percent of the girls showing symptoms had been active at a high level in sports, while half had been active at an elite level.

The HPV vaccine, which was developed to prevent cases of cervical cancer, has been part of the national Danish vaccination program since 2009 and is offered for free to all girls from the age of 12.

Out of the about 500,000 girls and young women who have been vaccinated, slightly over 1,000 have experienced possible side effects – 283 of which were considered serious.

“The review of HPV vaccines has been initiated by the European Commission at the request of Denmark, under Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No 726/2004,” EMA confirmed. “The review is being carried out by the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC), the committee responsible for the evaluation of safety issues for human medicines, which will make a set of recommendations.

“The PRAC recommendations will then be forwarded to the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), responsible for questions concerning medicines for human use, which will adopt a final opinion. The final stage of the review procedure is the adoption by the European Commission of a legally binding decision applicable in all EU Member States.”




  • The Capital Region economy grows: now is 43% of the country

    The Capital Region economy grows: now is 43% of the country

    While other regions are struggling, Hovedstaden is growing, and the Copenhagen metropolitan area is growing even more. On the employment front, around 11,000 jobs were created in Copenhagen, while Aalborg only saw an increase of 3,600.

  • DTU named best technical university in the EU

    DTU named best technical university in the EU

    The Technical University of Denmark, located half an hour from Copenhagen, has topped a new ranking of over 200 technical universities in the EU, where it stands out particularly for its excellence in research, innovation and internationalism.

  • Christmas in Denmark starts this week: a short guide

    Christmas in Denmark starts this week: a short guide

    Starting November 5, Christmas markets, ice skating, and other events will kick off the Christmas season. In Copenhagen, the big news this year is the return of ice skating at Kongens Nytorv, reopening after 16 years.

  • Are you ready to join Denmark’s new national baseball team?

    Are you ready to join Denmark’s new national baseball team?

    Baseball isn’t the first sport that comes to mind when you think of Denmark, but a dedicated group of players and volunteers is changing that. Under the leadership of Jay Cannon, a former professional baseball player from the United States, the Danish national baseball team has recently taken home the Nordic Cup, marking a turning point in the development of the sport in this country. 

  • Danes can live with Trump – but we root for Kamala

    Danes can live with Trump – but we root for Kamala

    You won’t find many Danes who hope Donald Trump wins the presidential election on Tuesday. After all, last time he wanted to buy Greenland from us. But the US is probably Denmark’s best friend in the world, even if the admiration is declining

  • These are expressions Danes resent

    These are expressions Danes resent

    You want to do well at work but find it difficult to understand the terms. Danes often say something that doesn’t quite express what they mean. Here are expressions you need to be aware of – not to use!


  • DTU named best technical university in the EU

    DTU named best technical university in the EU

    The Technical University of Denmark, located half an hour from Copenhagen, has topped a new ranking of over 200 technical universities in the EU, where it stands out particularly for its excellence in research, innovation and internationalism.

  • Come and join us at Citizens Days!

    Come and join us at Citizens Days!

    On Friday 27 and Saturday 28 of September, The Copenhagen Post will be at International Citizen Days in Øksnehallen on Vesterbro, Copenhagen. Admission is free and thousands of internationals are expected to attend

  • Diversifying the Nordics: How a Nigerian economist became a beacon for inclusivity in Scandinavia

    Diversifying the Nordics: How a Nigerian economist became a beacon for inclusivity in Scandinavia

    Chisom Udeze, the founder of Diversify – a global organization that works at the intersection of inclusion, democracy, freedom, climate sustainability, justice, and belonging – shares how struggling to find a community in Norway motivated her to build a Nordic-wide professional network. We also hear from Dr. Poornima Luthra, Associate Professor at CBS, about how to address bias in the workplace.