HPV Vaccine. Is it Dangerous?

HPV VACCINE

 Patients ask these questions about the HPV vaccine: Photo Credit David Paquet

• Should I vaccinate my child? 
• I’m diagnosed with HPV should I get the vaccine still?
• Is the vaccine effective against all HPV?
• What are the side effects? 

HPV FACTS:

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), there are over 100 strains of HPV virus. This means more than 100 different types of HPV viruses. Around 13 of the 100 are strains that cause cancer. The HPV 16 and 18 strains are the high risk strains responsible for around 70% of cervical dysplasias and cervical cancers.

It takes about 15-20 years for a woman to develop cervical cancer, if they have a normal immune system. So don’t panic if you are diagnosed with HPV or low grade dysplasia, however also do not wait too long and leave it untreated. Some cases are fast progressing. 

Chart: HPV Strain Types Contained in 3 Different HPV Vaccines

HPV High Risk Strain Name (Cancer Causing)	Strains in Gardasil Vaccine	Strains in Gardasil 9 Vaccine	Strains in Cervarix Vaccine
#16	✓	✓	✓
#18	✓	✓	✓
#31		✓
#33		✓
#35
#39
#45		✓
#51
#52		✓
#56
#58		✓
#59
#68
# 6 and 11 (Low risk strains)	✓	✓

YOU ARE NOT 100% PROTECTED BY THE VACCINES. The older version of the Gardasil vaccine only protected against 4 strains (16,18, 6 and 11). The newer Gardasil 9 protects against 9 strains 7 of which are high-risk types. There are total of 13 high-risk types (strains that are responsible for cervical cancer). All other strains of HPV that are not high risk may cause warts but do not cause cancer. Therefore the vaccine does not offer complete protection against all high risk HPV strains and it is possible to still be infected with high risk strain even if vaccinated.

ALREADY INFECTED WITH HPV? The vaccine, according to Gardasils website states is NOT intended for or useful for those already infected with HPV through sexual activity. If you have a PAP positive for HPV, the vaccine may not do anything for you. If you are diagnosed with Cervical dysplasia and an HPV test was not done, it is assumed you are infected with HPV because this is the virus that causes dysplasia. It is always helpful to ask your OBGYN to test for the strain subtype as this is not always common practice with every gynecologist.

VAERS

There is a government reporting data base for vaccine adverse reactions called VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System). Not all adverse reactions are reported therefore it is likely the number of adverse reactions are higher than the numbers represented on VAERS.

GARDASIL POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

According to the CDC, VAERS received 33,945 adverse reactions to Gardasil between 2006-2016. From 2006-2015 VAERS received 117 reports of death after receiving the Gardasil vaccine. Common long-term adverse side effects reported included, premature ovarian failure, Guillain-Barre syndrome, cognitive dysfunction, permanent neurological damage, chronic headaches, muscle pain, and tachycardia (although CDC claims report of such medical problems after receiving the vaccine does not prove the vaccine caused them). 

It is important to research and be informed in making a decision regarding methods of prevention and weigh pros and cons. Some patients with a predisposition to immune system issues, auto-immune disorders or certain genetics are more prone to reactions than others. 

Whether you are looking into the best prevention for yourself or your child, or seeking natural treatment for HPV/Dysplasia, contact Dr. Chan’s office for a consult to get options of providing you the best non-invasive and successful therapy for your unique case.

STAY TUNED FOR PART II ABOUT NATURAL THERAPIES TO SUPPORT HEALING FROM HPV AND CERVICAL DYSPLASIA