What does the HPV Vaccine Protect against?
Human Papilloma virus is the most common sexually transmitted infection. There are many types of HPV strains, some infect ones genital areas, along with the mouth and throat and are transmitted sexually. Others cause warts on the body and are not transmitted sexually. While some HPV infections dissipate with no harmful affects, others can lead to the development of cancers in the vulva, vaginal, penis, mouth and throat areas. In order to combat this potential development of these cancers, there is the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective and practical ways to avoid development of HPV and thus is one of the best preventative mechanisms against cervical cancer, other HPV-associated cancers and chronic genital conditions. HPV is particularly dangerous, because it can be asymptomatic, meaning many people are unaware of the fact that they have it. This allows for HPV to be spread easily, which is why it is crucial that people get vaccinated.
HPV Vaccination Skepticism
While there have been many studies conducted that demonstrate the efficacy of the HPV vaccine, there is still a significant amount of hesitancy when it comes to vaccination. The hesitancy stems from skepticism behind alleged side effects experienced by girls who have received the vaccine along with false information posted on social media and medical websites. The HPV vaccine has been associated with diffuse symptoms in girls including abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, syncope, and tachycardia. However, association does not necessarily mean that there is correlation between the vaccine and the symptoms. A study was conducted from 2000 to 2014 on over a million boys and girls, some vaccinated and others not. There was no relation found between an increase in these symptoms reported at hospitals and the HPV vaccine. This shows the importance of consulting reliable health-care providers when considering receiving a vaccine, that could potentially save ones life and provide prevention of several cancers.
HPV Vaccination Controversy in Japan
While there has been a significant amount of research conducted on the efficacy of the HPV vaccine, there is still significant hesitation behind vaccination. In 2013, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan suspended the official recommendation for the HPV vaccine. This suspension triggered panic and insecurity about the effects of the vaccine. The suspension was triggered due to the reported “drug-induced suffering” that was allegedly being experienced by various women who had received the vaccine. However, further investigations showed that this recommendation was not supported by sufficient evidence, despite this the recommendation in Japan remained. The purpose behind this recommendation was allegedly to reduce public responsibility, however, I believe that this recommendation is a poor decision. This is because, even if this recommendation is revoked there will likely be wide-spread speculation in regards to the efficacy of the HPV vaccine.
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