The HPV Vaccine Controversy

SUBSTANCE

The HPV Vaccine Controversy

Originally submitted to SUBSTANCE Magazine, Oct.2007

The HPV vaccine is now available for free in Canada for girls and women between the ages of 9 to 26. In clinical trials, the HPV vaccine, brand name Gardasil, was 100% effective in preventing two strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer and 99% effective against 2 HPV strains that cause genital warts. The only known side effects of the vaccine are injection site soreness.

The HPV vaccine has become controversial. It has now become a religious and political platform. The Catholic church says that the vaccine promotes promiscuity. It sees the vaccine as a medicine substituting for morality. Politicians are divided: some are for it, some against.

There are other reasons for the controversy. Many parents are angered over the thought of immunizing their pre-teen daughters against a sexually transmitted disease. There is also a common misconception that the HPV vaccine protects against all types of HPV. Parents are concerned that their children will be misinformed and think they are being protected. Many parents believe that their children are not at risk for developing HPV. According to the Centre for Disease Control in the U.S., 20 million people are infected with HPV. 80% of women are infected by the time they turn 50. Even more startling, more than 50% of sexually active people have HPV.

Young women have every right to be suspicious of this new product. Historically women have been the victims of big business. Even when government regulatory bodies have given the green light on medical products, these products have failed. Women’s health has been compromised because of it. In recent history, the list of faulty medical products is long. Thalidomide. The Dalcon Shield IUD. Silicon breast implants. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Given all the facts, history, and controversy, only you will know if the HPV vaccine is right for you. Have a good talk with your doctor to create the best possible scenario on which to base your decision.

REFS/Sources:

About.com

Ctv.com

Cancer.about.com