Emily
MikeGardasil, the HPV vaccine with the catchy “One Less” campaign, is currently undergoing review for use on boys. On September 9th, the FDA will decide whether or not it will recommend that boys also get the vaccine. Although men are generally unaffected by the virus, they are carriers. Vaccinating boys in addition to girls would be sure to significantly reduce infection, and thus reduce cervical cancer.
But as this article notes, Gardasil has had its fair share of controversy. It has been accused of being unsafe, and its effects insufficiently researched. But the CDC came out with a report that found that it is as safe as other vaccines. Serious complications have occurred at similar rates as with other vaccinations. But the marketing of the drug came under fire for downplaying side effects of the drug while overplaying the risk of cervical cancer, and not focusing enough on poorer women’s risks for cancer.
These controversies certainly may affect the FDA’s decision on expanding use of the drug. It should also be interesting to see, in the case that Gardasil is approved for males, if there will be the same level of outcry and controversy about implications of promiscuity. When Gardasil was first introduced, many were concerned that giving this vaccine to girls would encourage sexual activity. In fact, Texas became the first state to mandate the vaccination for girls entering the sixth grade. There was such an outcry over the implication that this drug encouraged girls to have premarital sex that the state legislature later reversed the mandate. It is ridiculous to think that 1) a vaccine will be the reason a girl has sex 2) the idea of girls remaining virgins is somehow more imporant than the reality of their health and 3) girls having sex is so abhorrant that its better to risk them getting HPV and cancer. I doubt such a fight would be held over boys’ virginity.
Business week writes that:
Merck [Gardasil's distributor] has given the FDA data showing Gardasil prevents 90% of HPV symptoms in men, but since related male cancers are rare, the main justification is to protect their partners from cervical cancer
Protecting their female partners from HPV should be seen as necessary. Women’s health should be a serious issue to everyone, particularly given the fact that we are 50% of the population. Not to mention that health problems in general are costly for individuals, insurance companies and the government. Prevention is essential.
Regardless of the controversies, Gardasil has endured, and I believe that it is an incredibly important drug for women. I do hope it gets approved for male use so that number of “carriers” of HPV is reduced.
Filed under: Advertising, Health, Male Perspectives, Sex Tagged: | gardasil, HPV, Sex, vaccine, women's health
[...] HPV Vaccine Approved for Men Posted on September 10, 2009 by Emily A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the FDA’s impending decision to recommend Gardasil for boys. Today, there’s good news: [...]
Please remember that Merck was the number one contributor in Perry’s election victory. What a coincidence!
That is very true. It would be naive to assume Perry was pushing Gardasil solely for some progressive, honest concern for women’s health.
Penile cancer may be rare, but penile and anal HPV warts are are common, and anal cancer is increasing in incidence . Gardasil may be a useful vaccine for boys, particularly gay youth and any immunosuppressed transplant patients, who are most at risk for HPV disease as adults.
Dismally enough, this week I identified well differentiated base-of-penis cancer in a 16 year old boy.
Good point. I’ve also heard of incidents of oral HPV that occur in men.