HPV Vaccine Issues

By Alice R. Laule, MD

Keep your eye out for the truth on the new HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. Some states are legislating the use of this vaccine in all young women at age 11 to 12.

          I recently read that this vaccine only lasts 8 years, but I cannot find this supported in the literature. A large study that began in 2003 states that it lasts at least 5 years. More follow-up will tell the story. We  don’t want the effect to be wearing off right when young ladies become sexually active and likely to contact the human papilloma virus (HPV).

           I’m certainly not an across the board anti-vaccination person. I think vaccinations have saved many lives. However, I’d like to keep my eye on this issue awhile longer. For right now it is important to know that it does not cover about 30% of the cancer-causing HPV strains, and being vaccinated does not remove the need for routine PAP smears for women. I’ll try to keep you informed on this issue.

Stay healthy.

Alice R. Laule, M.D.

Back to Article Archives