HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Eradication

Though we may not realize, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is so widespread that the majority of men and women will be infected with some type of HPV infection in their lifetime. Though not all cases of HPV infection are the same, severe cases can lead to cervical, penile, anal, and throat cancers. Currently, cervical cancer continues to be one of the leading cancers among women. However, HPV can be prevented with an effective vaccine that is administered years before you are likely to be exposed to the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children between 11-12 years old should receive two doses of the HPV vaccine. I received this vaccine at a similar age, but had to receive three doses. It is great to see that vaccines are becoming more effective and require less doses (especially since this is one of the more painful vaccines that I received as child). Though, it is important to note that three doses are still needed if you receive the vaccine when you are 15 years old or older.

Unfortunately, the CDC reports that even if children and teenagers receive a HPV vaccine, many do not receive the recommended number of doses. Though this sounds alarming, new research suggests that receiving one dose may be just as effective as receiving multiple doses of the HPV vaccine. Specifically, researchers found that children who had received the HPV vaccine were significantly less likely to develop a HPV infection, compared with those who did not receive the vaccine. But, among those who did receive the vaccine the difference in risk of infection was not significantly different. That being said, the study did have its flaws. For example, it was not reported at what age the vaccine was received, which may have impacted its effectiveness, and the results were self-reported, which may reduce their accuracy. Therefore, though we have these promising results, it is best to continue with the current vaccine schedule until we have more research to prove that two or more doses are not necessary.

Though we see great success with the HPV vaccine, not all children are reached and getting vaccinated. Children that live in rural areas do not have the same access to this vaccine as those living in more urban areas. In addition, false information about the HPV vaccine, such as a supposed linked to autoimmune disease and depression, has made some families refuse this life-saving vaccine. In reality, the HPV is very safe and effective at protecting you from various strains of the virus! This is especially important because we live in a day and age where scientists believe that cervical cancer can be eliminated! If more children received the vaccine, this could be the reality sooner rather than later. According the World Health Organization (WHO), eradication of cervical cancer can be attained by 2030 if 90% of girls who are 15 year old and younger are vaccinated. This is great news! Even if we don’t meet this goal by 2030, every new vaccination is a step in the right direction. Now, it is our turn to spread the news about the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine and encourage families to vaccinate their daughters AND sons. As someone who has received the vaccine, I am very grateful that my parents were proactive and made sure that I gained immunity to this virus. By supporting this important vaccine, we can make the world a healthier place for all!

References

Bakalar, Nicholas. “Even a Single Dose of HPV Vaccine May Provide Protection.” The New York Times, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/06/well/live/even-a-single-dose-of-hpv-vaccine-may-provide-protection.html?searchResultPosition=1.

Caplan, Arthur L., and Peter Hotez. “Cervical Cancer Can Be Eliminated. We Must Do More to Prevent This Deadly Disease.” CNN, 7 Sept. 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/07/opinions/cervical-cancer-can-be-eliminated-in-the-us/index.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About HPV (Human Papillomavirus). 2019, https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/about-hpv.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccinating Boys and Girls Against HPV. 2019, https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine.html.

Hotez, Peter J. “You Are Unvaccinated and Got Sick. These Are Your Odds.” The New York Times, 9 Jan. 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/09/opinion/vaccine-hesitancy.html?searchResultPosition=2.