Tired of HPV immunisation misinformation? Here’s a new published review.

I am extremely proud to know these people, who I have been lucky enough to meet through our health activism on the Stop the Australian (anti) Vaccination Network Facebook page.

Tired of seeing misinformation published in letters to journals, and other publications, surrounding the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine, Dr David Hawkes, Candice Lea, and Dr Matthew Berryman put their hands up, in their own time, to conduct a review of the scientific literature.

This is from Dr Berryman’s introductory blog post (you’ll need to read it to see the answers; no spoilers):

In this paper by Dave Hawkes, Candice Lea, and myself, we addressed some common questions about the HPV vaccine and its use in preventing cancer:

Q1: How do we know the HPV vaccine will prevent cancer?

Q2: Why is the vaccine being given to boys as well?

Q3: The vaccine only targets some types of HPV? What about the others?

Q4: How effective is the HPV vaccine?

Q5: Is the vaccine safe?

Q6: What about reported deaths from the HPV vaccine?

The full paper can be read here:

Answering human papillomavirus vaccine concerns; a matter of science and time

Abstract (provisional)

Since the introduction of the HPV vaccine, questions have been asked about its efficacy in preventing cancer linked with HPV. Concerns about the HPV vaccine safety profile have also been raised. This paper highlights the rapidly growing body of evidence (including clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance) illustrating both the safety of the HPV vaccine, through a detailed investigation of reported adverse events, and its efficacy in reducing both HPV infections rates and the resulting drop in cervical lesions, which have been demonstrated to be good predictors of cervical cancer risk

Lead author Dr David Hawkes can be heard on ABC Radio Newcastle, talking to Carol Duncan, here. Carol Duncan has a longstanding, keen interest in ensuring accurate information is provided to the community, especially in relation to HPV.

Dr Hawkes can also be heard in this great interview with Dr Rachael Dunlop, on The Skeptic Zone (26:50).

Enjoy.