HPV Vaccine and Mandatory Vaccination

Gardasil is the tradename of the vaccine that protects against infection with some types of human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV infection of the cervix can cause dysplasia that might evolve into a premalignant condition. The vaccine protects against 4 of the 40 types of HPV. It should result in a 70% reduction in cervical cancer due to HPV infection. Almost 4,000 women will die from cervical cancer in 2007.

There are is a bit of a political problem with the vaccine, maybe more than one.

Reaction to the bills has varied. Evangelical groups have strongly criticized the proposed mandates. Focus on the Family says such measures would violate parents' rights, although the group adds that the vaccine should be available for those who want it. An editorial in the Washington Post said a mandatory vaccine would save lives, while a Wall Street Journal editorial in July labeled the proposals coercion.

Some states are now considering requiring school aged girls to get vaccinated with Gardasil. Texas has already required the vaccine. But the fact that this vaccine is connected to sexuality makes it a tricky issue. Obviously this is an issue for conservatives and libertarians. It shouldn't be. It's a vaccine that protects against a sexually transmitted disease that can cause cancer. Unfortunately, some believe it will result in rampant sexual activity among young girls who get vaccinated.

The vaccine is most effective if given before a women becomes infected with HPV. This means before one becomes sexually active. The vaccine is recommended for 11-12 year old girls and can be given to girls as young as 9. Although you can certainly get it at a later age. But it is not a cure for the 4 types of HPV. It prevents infection with the 4 virus types. But thus far the vaccine has only been proven to protect for 5 years, so why should an 11-12 year old girl get vaccinated. Well, it's likely that only 5 years of trials have been done. There is evidence that the smallpox vaccine I received over 40 years ago likely is still protective.

The other problem with the vaccine is the cost. You need to be immunized three times at a cost of $120 each time. Vaccines are traditionally not very profitable for a company. But this vaccine should be a huge money maker, especially if the government madates its use. Hopefully, legislators are not in bed with the vaccine manufacturers.

Lastly, there are those that are opposed to all vaccines for any number of non-scientific reasons. This is largely because the dread diseases that many of us grew up with, polio, smallpox, whooping cough etc are now relatively rare in this country. Because we got vaccinated. Current generations have not experienced having to stay away from the beach all summer because of possibly contracting polio. It's also largely due to ignorance about vaccines. Do they have side effects? Yes. Can there be severe side effects in some individuals? Yes, but extremely rare. Do vaccines cause autism. There is absolutely no scientific evidence that they do.

Did you know that the Spanish Flu outbreak of 1918 was caused by a flu vaccine? Yessir, flu vaccine researchers have been keeping this a secret for almost 100 years. They are one hell of a tight-lipped bunch.