U.S. health officials back safety of Merck vaccine

WASHINGTON Aug 20 (Reuters) - Merck & Co Inc's (MRK.N) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer remains safe and effective, U.S. health officials said on Thursday.

A medical journal earlier this week detailed health problems that were reported in people who were given the Gardasil vaccine.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, said in a statement on the FDA website: "Gardasil continues to be safe and effective, and its benefits continue to outweigh its risks." (Reporting by Lisa Richwine, Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)