The HPV Vaccine Controversy

Abstract

The development of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provides an opportunity to prevent the majority of HPV infections that cause genital warts and cervical cancer.Although the vaccine is largely recognized as a medical breakthrough, its acceptance by the public is lagging for several reasons.Contributing factors include underestimation of HPV risk, the challenge of completing a three-shot regimen, concerns about cost, and parental barriers to acceptance.There is also some public concern about vaccine safety in general, although HPV vaccines have excellent safety records.Attempts to publicize the vaccine's safety have been undermined by recent erroneous claims linking the vaccine to mental retardation by political figure Michele Bachmann.These inflammatory and irresponsible remarks mislead the public about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.We examine the facts concerning the HPV vaccine, its utility, and appropriate responses medical professionals can make to false claims.