doctors against hpv vaccine :: Article CreatorWhy Doctors Are Urging Parents & Kids To Get Vaccinated Before Trump (& RFK Jr.) Take Office
We're staring down the barrel of another Trump presidential term, and this time around, the president-elect isn't wasting any time in rewarding his allies with Cabinet posts. Most recently, Trump announced his plan to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. For the head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the CDC, the FDA, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), among other key health-related agencies. The news was met with dread by doctors all over social media — and some crucial advice: start scheduling vaccine appointments now, especially for your kids.
Vaccines were a key talking point for RFK Jr. Throughout his abbreviated presidential campaign, and he has a worrisome (to put it lightly) history of spreading vaccine misinformation, most notably supporting the myth that vaccines cause autism, which multiple studies have debunked: per Newsweek , RFK Jr. Told Fox News host Jesse Watters in 2023, "I do believe that autism comes from vaccines." RFK Jr. Also founded the nonprofit Children's Health Defense, which "promotes anti-vaccine material such as the recent documentary 'Vaxed III: Authorized to Kill,'" per CNN.
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The presumptive nominee for head of HHS has also specifically targeted childhood vaccines, Newsweek reported. In December 2023, he told CNN that he "would be against mandates" for children in public schools; in 2021, he told people to "resist" CDC guidelines on when kids should be vaccinated. Going farther back, to 2015, RFK Jr. "equated vaccination to the Holocaust at a California screening for an anti-vaccination film," the site reported.
Yet, more recently, RFK Jr. Has made a concerted effort to walk back his history of disinformation. "I'm not going to take away anybody's vaccines. I've never been anti-vaccine," he told MSNBC after Trump's election, per Newsweek. In an interview with NPR the same day, RFK Jr. Said, "[O]f course, we're not going to take vaccines away from anybody. We are going to make sure that Americans have good information right now. The science on vaccine safety particularly has huge deficits, and we're going to make sure those scientific studies are done and that people can make informed choices about their vaccinations and their children's vaccinations."
Though he's couching his rhetoric in more palatable terms, it's hard to believe it when Trump himself hasn't ruled out a vaccine ban. As noted by Newsweek, in an NBC News interview in November, Trump answered a question about banning certain vaccines with a worryingly vague and open-ended response: "Well, I'm going to talk to him and talk to other people, and I'll make a decision, but [RFK Jr.] is a very talented guy and has strong views."
And RFK Jr.'s anti-vax history has already had deadly consequences. His involvement in spreading vaccine information in American Samoa led to a drop in measles vaccinations on the island and a subsequent outbreak of the disease, according to an analysis by FactCheck.Org. Over 5,700 people got sick and 83 died in the outbreak, most of them young children, per The Lancet.
So it's no wonder that doctors across media and social media are urging followers to get vaccinated now, before Trump takes office and can push RFK Jr. To the top of the nation's health department.
"I'm a doctor and, I cannot stress this enough, I recommend making sure you are up to date on all of your vaccines as soon as possible," one physician wrote on X.
Nathan Boonstra, MD, a pediatrician for UnityPoint Health in Iowa, recommended one vaccine in particular. "I would especially make sure my kids were up to date on HPV vaccine, which can be given as young as nine years of age," he wrote on X. "I would not be surprised if that vaccine is one of the first targeted, and it is one of the most lifesaving vaccines we have."
For context, HPV stands for human papillomavirus, a common sexually-transmitted infection. According to the CDC, nearly everyone will get HPV at some point in their lives, with most infections resolving themselves within two years. The strains that don't resolve, however, can lead to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and head/neck cancers, as well as genital warts. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil-9, in the US) specifically targets those strains, and the CDC recommends kids receive two doses of it — ideally between the ages of 11 and 12, though as Dr. Boonstra notes, they can be given starting at age 9. Older teens can also receive the HPV vaccine, though they may require an extra dose, per the CDC. (The same goes for adults.)
While RFK Jr. Hasn't said anything specifically about the HPV vaccine, a peek into Dr. Boonstra's comments reveals why it might be under threat. One commenter calls the HPV vaccine "the one vaccine I refused for my daughter," while others are busy peddling STI stigma left and right. (One sample: "Why is your 9 year old getting a vaccine against STDs? Is this the new sex Ed they are teaching in schools?" FYI: the vaccination series can start at 9 because that tends to be before most people become sexually active. You're supposed to get vaccines before you're exposed to viruses. That's… kind of the whole point.)
But Gardasil isn't the only vaccine to consider getting for your kids, if they're eligible. It's worth taking time to review your child's vaccination record and compare it to the CDC's recommended vaccine schedule. It provides guidelines for exactly when to vaccinate your child, starting right at birth, when your child is eligible for the RSV vaccine and the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine. For parents of teens, the CDC recommends the meningococcal, HPV, and tetanus vaccines in particular — and of course, don't forget about the flu and COVID-19 vaccines for all ages. You can also talk to your pediatrician about the best way to catch your child up on any vaccines they may have missed.
We can and will continue to hope that, if he does become head of the Department of Health and Human Services, RFK Jr. Won't push for a total ban on vaccines. But already, Republican lawmakers are indicating a willingness to roll back vaccine mandates, which would target the vaccines children are required to have to start public school: long-used vaccines for diseases like Hepatitis B, measles and mumps, diptheria, and polio. Without those kinds of mandates, all children would be less safe — even the ones who are vaccinated. "The risk of viruses mutating into more deadly forms increases when they are allowed to spread," Dr. Lucky Tran, director of Science Communication at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center, explained on X. "Individuals ignoring public health practices harms everyone."
Meanwhile, we can't overstate the dangers of handing the country's most powerful health post — and the platform that comes with it — to a well-known vaccine denier. Vaccine misinformation has boomed since the pandemic, with real-world consequences: routine child vaccination rates are down from pre-pandemic levels, per the CDC, while vaccine exemptions increased in 41 states. Cases of measles — for which we have a highly effective vaccine — are up 20 percent worldwide, according to a CDC report.
And vaccine bans are already happening at a local level. One county in Idaho, for example, passed the country's first COVID-19 vaccine ban earlier this month, affecting six counties.
These things are happening, right now, and that's before a known anti-vaxxer has the power to really "go wild" on health, as Trump has said RFK Jr. Will. It's a frightening prospect, and as good a reason as any to make sure you and your family are up to date on every vaccine you can access.
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Cervical Cancer Deaths In Young Women Plummet After Introduction Of HPV Vaccine
Cervical cancer deaths have plunged dramatically among women under age 25, and researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center believe this is likely due to HPV vaccination.
Their study, published in JAMA, is the first to suggest the impact of HPV vaccination on cervical cancer deaths.
"We observed a substantial reduction in mortality -- a 62% drop in cervical cancer deaths over the last decade, likely due to HPV vaccination," said senior author Ashish Deshmukh, Ph.D., co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. "We cannot think of any other reason that would have contributed to such a marked decline."
The human papillomavirus, or HPV, causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine was introduced in 2006. At first, it was available only to adolescents, but eligibility has since been expanded to include adults up to age 45 in some cases.
Previous studies have looked at the rates of HPV infection, precancer and cervical cancer incidence since the introduction of the vaccine, and all of those indicators have declined. The next logical step was to look at death rates, Deshmukh said.
Although cervical cancer is rare in women under age 25, it does occur. By examining deaths in this age group, researchers were able to see the early impact of the vaccine. Women who were 25 in 2021, the final year included in this study, would have been 10 years old when the vaccine was introduced.
The researchers looked at cervical cancer deaths in three-year blocks of time. Through the 1990s, there were between 50 and 60 cervical cancer deaths nationally in women under the age of 25 in each three-year block of time. During the 2019-2021 time period, there were only 13 deaths.
However, the team sounded an alarm. Healthy People 2030 has a goal of reaching an 80% HPV vaccination rate, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported earlier this year that only about 60% of 13to 15 year olds have received the recommended doses.
"There has been a decline in HPV vaccination post COVID-19 in the most recent generation of U.S. Adolescents. This is troubling as a decline in vaccination uptake would potentially lead to smaller gains," Deshmukh said.
5 Ways To Prevent Cervical Cancer, As Per Doctor
Cervical cancer is a serious condition that affects many women worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Here are five ways to keep your cervix cancer-free, as per Dr Kaishreen Khan.
Cervical cancer is a serious condition that affects many women worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, there are proactive steps that can be taken to prevent it. We spoke to Dr Kaishreen Khan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune, and she shared five key ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and maintain a healthy cervix.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The condition occurs when the cells in the cervix undergo abnormal changes, often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus.
HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, and while there are over 100 types of HPV, only a few are known to cause cancer. The risk factors for cervical cancer include having multiple sexual partners, weak immunity, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and obesity. Symptoms of cervical cancer may include vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, abnormal discharge, and issues while urinating.
5 Ways To Prevent Cervical Cancer
Here are five ways to keep your cervix cancer-free, as per Dr Kaishreen Khan:
1. Regular Screening And Pap Smears
Dr. Khan stresses the importance of regular screenings to detect any abnormal cell changes before they become cancerous. "Regular screenings such as Pap smears and HPV tests can detect precancerous changes in the cervix," she says. These tests are essential for early detection and should be done at regular intervals. The recommended guidelines are to get an HPV test every 5 years, or a combined Pap and HPV test every 5 years, and a Pap test alone every 3 years. This proactive step helps in identifying issues early and can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.
2. Vaccination Against HPV
Another critical step in preventing cervical cancer is vaccination against HPV. Dr Khan explains, "The HPV vaccine is a vital strategy to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. The vaccine works best when administered before the onset of sexual activity, but it is also beneficial for those who may have been previously exposed to the virus." The vaccine is both safe and effective, offering protection against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. Dr Khan advises getting vaccinated as per the recommended guidelines, which can be an important measure for both young girls and older women.
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3. Practicing Safe Sex
Practicing safe sex is another crucial way to reduce the risk of HPV transmission and, subsequently, cervical cancer. According to Dr. Khan, "Having sex with a partner who has had multiple sexual partners increases your risk of HPV exposure, which can lead to cervical cancer." Using barrier methods such as condoms during sexual activity helps reduce the chances of HPV infection and other STDs.
Don't Miss:HPV Vaccine: Everything About Cervical Cancer Prevention Answered By Expert
4. Open Conversations About Sexual Health
Dr. Khan also emphasises the importance of open conversations about sexual health. "Cultivating a supportive environment where women feel comfortable discussing sexual health leads to more informed choices and early interventions," she explains. When women are educated and aware of the risks, they can make better decisions about their health. Regular check-ups and consultations with healthcare providers, especially if there are symptoms such as abnormal bleeding or discharge, are vital. Early intervention can make a significant difference in preventing cervical cancer.
5. Quit Smoking
One of the most effective lifestyle changes that women can make is quitting smoking. Dr. Khan notes that smoking significantly increases the risk of cervical cancer. "Quitting smoking is essential for women to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer and to maintain overall health," she advises. Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off HPV infections and increasing the likelihood of cancerous cell changes in the cervix.
Cervical cancer is preventable, and following these five expert-backed steps can significantly reduce the risk.
Don't Miss:Cervical Cancer: Indian Government To Make HPV Vaccines Available In Primary Schools
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