Arguments Against HPV Vaccination

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is currently the most common STI in the United States.1 HPV is a public health concern because of its potential to cause multiple types of cancer including oropharyngeal, cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anal cancer.2 From 2004 to 2007, 25,110 out of 32,456 cases of such cancers were attributable to HPV.3 Precancerous growths and genital warts due to HPV also burden the healthcare system. In 2012, the total healthcare burden of preventing and treating HPV diseases was estimated to be 8 billion dollars.3

HPV is spread by skin to skin contact.4 Barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams are only effective if the infected area is covered, creating a serious challenge for prevention. However, a quadrivalent

The history of vaccination speaks to our mandate’s potential in eradicating HPV. Vaccination mandates are well within the states’ constitutional rights, and all states have utilized such mandates.8 Malone and Hineman summarized the effects of vaccination mandates in the United States between the 20th century and 2004 on the top ten vaccine-preventable diseases. Four of the diseases were completely eradicated, and even the disease with the lowest drop in morbidity, pertussis, witnessed an 87% reduction in cases. 8 Our recommendation directly addresses the growing burden of HPV and is the best solution because it actively prevents disease transmission. Our recommendation for vaccine mandates is also ethically responsible as it can build herd immunity, creating safer conditions for those who cannot avail the

Since the vaccine is administered to a large population, it is not unreasonable to say that some will experience adverse outcomes.1 Between 2006 and 2008, over 23 million doses of the HPV vaccine were administered. Out of the 12,424 adverse event cases reported, only 6.2% were classified as serious health outcomes.11 Adverse events -- fainting, rashes, headaches, or dizziness after injection -- were mostly non-life threatening. There were 32 deaths reported during this time period. However, the autopsies point to causes of death inconsistent with side effects caused by the vaccine, suggesting unrelated factors ultimately contributed to death12. Additionally, in order to keep the public safe, the FDA and the CDC rigorously monitors the safety of all vaccines through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The VAERS monitors potential side effects of vaccinations; to date, it has not found any adverse side-effects related to the HPV vaccine.11 Two other sources, the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA), are also continuously monitoring for potential side effects through vigilant use of scientific research.1 Overall, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the minimal risks to