A recent government report has provided further evidence that the HPV vaccine, previously criticized by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is effectively preventing cervical cancer in young women. Kennedy, who once referred to the Gardasil vaccine as “the most dangerous vaccine ever invented,” has now pledged to donate any fees earned from HPV vaccine litigation to a family member.
The report, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, revealed an 80% decrease in rates of precancerous lesions among 20- to 24-year-old women who were screened for cervical cancer between 2008 and 2022. This significant decline has been attributed to the widespread use of the HPV vaccine, which has been recommended in the U.S. since 2006 for girls aged 11 or 12, and since 2011 for boys of the same age. Catch-up shots are also recommended for individuals up to the age of 26 who have not been vaccinated.
HPV, a common virus transmitted through sexual contact, can lead to various health issues, including cervical cancer. With approximately 37,000 cases of HPV-related cancer reported each year in the U.S., the importance of vaccination cannot be overstated. Women in their 20s, the age group most likely to have received the HPV vaccine, have seen the most significant benefits in terms of reduced precancerous lesions.
Jane Montealegre, a cancer-prevention researcher at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, praised the report’s findings, describing the decline in precancerous lesions as “dramatic.” She emphasized that the success of the HPV vaccine should reassure parents about the importance of vaccinating their children against HPV.
While the U.S. does not have a national registry for tracking vaccination rates, other countries have reported similar declines in cervical precancer rates among younger, more vaccinated cohorts. Kennedy’s involvement in HPV vaccine litigation, including his referral of clients to a law firm suing vaccine-maker Merck, has raised ethical concerns. In response, Kennedy has committed to donating any fees earned from such litigation to a nondependent adult family member.
Overall, the new report underscores the vital role of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer and highlights the importance of vaccination efforts in safeguarding public health. Parents are encouraged to consult with healthcare providers to ensure their children receive the recommended HPV vaccinations for optimal protection against HPV-related cancers.
