HPV vaccine still warrants a critical view

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Vaccination for the human papillomavirus (HPV) was once again in the spotlight this week with news of a study showing that the HPV vaccine may create “herd protection”.

Herd protection refers to the lowering of infection rates among unimmunized people that occurs when a critical mass of people in a community is immunized against a contagious disease.

While most reports on this new study appear uncritical of mass HPV vaccination campaigns, CWHN has long been advising strong caution about the efficacy of HPV vaccines.

Upcoming on our site we will feature an article by Lyba Spring in which she notes serious concerns about the HPV vaccine, discussing how it has not yet been shown to be effective over long periods of time.

Quoting from her article:

Diane Harper professor of Medicine at the University of Missouri, was a lead researcher in the development of HPV vaccines and involved in clinical trials for both vaccines.  She stated that HPV vaccines must maintain a near 100 per cent efficacy for a full 15 years, at a minimum, for cervical cancer to be prevented. “If we vaccinate 11- and 12-year olds and Gardasil only lasts 10 years, then 21- and 22-year old women are no longer protected.” 

In 2009, Diane Harper stated in an interview with Huffington Post journalist, Marcia Yerman, that “9 to 15 year-olds may not be exposed to the virus until after the vaccine has waned... Until Merck funds a multi-ethnic efficacy study lasting at least 15 years the vaccine should be used primarily by women within the first six years of their onset of sexual activity, to gain the most protection possible...if they choose to be vaccinated.

HPV vaccines are one tool in the arsenal to prevent cervical cancer.  The others are:

- postponing unprotected sexual intercourse until the process of squamous metaplasia is completed (around age 18)

- using condoms correctly and consistently

- having a first Pap test within three years of vaginal activity and regularly after that

- monitoring and treating High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions before they become invasive cervical cancer

- ensuring the availability of screening, monitoring and follow-up especially for populations at risk

Visit our site again in coming weeks to read the whole article by Lyba Spring.

To read more on the reasons for caution on HPV vaccinations, see also:

Ten Good Reasons to Be Concerned about the  Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign

Gardasil: What you need to know about the HPV vaccine : Pap tests still the best tool in preventing cervical cancer