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The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines created by GlaxoSmithKline and Merck are not linked to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), an investigation conducted by the European Medicines Agency and its Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment committee concluded.

CRPS is a syndrome that involves chronic pain in a limb. POTS is a condition that occurs when one's heart rate increases abnormally. It can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, weakness, headache, nausea, fatigue and pains.

The committee conducted a detailed safety review and found that "evidence does not support a causal link between" the cervical cancer vaccines (Cervarix, Gardasil/Silgard and Gardasil-9) and the two syndromes. There have been some reports of either syndrome starting after HPV vaccination. For the review, the committee looked into published research, clinical trials and reports.

The agency said in a statement, "There is no reason to change the way the vaccines are used or amend the current information...The benefits of HPV vaccines...continue to outweigh their risks. The safety of these vaccines, as with all medicines will continue to be carefully monitored."

The HPV vaccine is recommended for all girls between nine and 26-years-old. The vaccine is also recommended for boys to help reduce risk of HPV cases. It can protect against cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.

The EMA estimated that at least 72 million people throughout the world have gotten the vaccine.