In 2006, the vaccine Gardasil was introduced in the United States to help protect teenage girls and young women from several strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which are known to cause cervical cancer. Since the vaccine was introduced, a controversy questions have arisen about the safety and efficacy of this potentially lifesaving vaccine. While some doctors promote the administration of this vaccine to all young girls, other doctors are taking the time to educate their patients and parents regarding the possible side effects, exposing the controversy and allowing patients to decide for themselves.
Adverse Events
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintain reports that detail adverse events related to vaccines. Adverse events may range from small side effects to life-threatening events and even death. In regards to the vaccine Gardasil, there have been more than 15,000 reports of adverse events since the vaccine's release in 2006, as reported by the CDC. Serious adverse events such as hospitalization, blood clots and death represent eight percent of this total. Although the cases have no confirmed correlation to the vaccine, 49 women have died after being injected with the vaccine.
Limited Protection
Many people receive vaccines believing that they acquire lifetime immunity against the offending virus. In the case of Gardasil, recipients may only receive immunity for five to seven years, as reported by Dr. Joseph Zanga in a report by ABC News. Girls vaccinated at a young age may have lost their immunity by the time they reach college, an age in which sexual exploration heightens for many young adults. Young women may put themselves in danger, falsely believing that the vaccine is still protecting them when in fact their immunity may have worn off.
Other Concerns
Along with safety and uncertainty regarding protection, there are other concerns among parents and doctors. In some circles, people believe the HPV vaccine provides a license for teenagers and young adults to be promiscuous. Although the vaccine only protects against a small group of HPV strains, the belief is that young adults won't understand the difference between HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases and engage in unprotected sex. Additionally, the Gardasil vaccine is a series of three injections that total $400 to $500 for the entire course. Not all insurance companies have approved the vaccine; some families are forced to pay out of pocket. Insurance companies may also choose to provide an additional stipulation, which limits vaccine coverage to children 18 years old and younger.
