Is the HPV vaccine evil and unsafe?

The HPV vaccine is an essential tool in the fight against cervical cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. For many years, the cause of this devastating disease remained unknown, resulting in numerous deaths among women worldwide. However, thanks to scientific advancements, we now know that cervical cancer is strongly associated with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Luckily, a highly effective vaccine has been developed to protect against this virus, offering girls the opportunity to safeguard their future health.

Currently, the government is taking decisive action to combat cervical cancer by procuring and distributing the HPV vaccine free of charge in Nigeria to young girls between the ages of 9 and 14. This initiative represents an incredible milestone, as previously, the vaccine was only available in expensive private hospitals. By making it accessible to all, the government is demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of its citizens, especially young girls who are at higher risk.

However, it is disheartening to witness a coordinated effort to undermine this crucial vaccination campaign. Certain individuals spread baseless rumors, claiming that the vaccine intends to reduce population growth or cause infertility among women. Those who propagate such falsehoods willingly ignore the evidence and the potential harm they will cause. Ignorance is a dangerous weapon, and if we succumb to it, we risk allowing cervical cancer to claim countless lives needlessly.

Let us not forget the lessons of the past. It took us a considerable amount of time to eradicate the poliovirus, resulting in many lives being irrevocably altered. Currently, we face rising outbreaks of diphtheria, a preventable disease that maims and kills children. These outbreaks exist because of the non-immunization of young children. We cannot afford to repeat these mistakes due to baseless fears of depopulation or infertility.

Therefore, until we collectively resist these unfounded claims, we must individually stand against them. I implore my family and friends to disregard any voice note urging the refusal of the HPV vaccine. Such misinformation is not only evil but also perpetuates unnecessary suffering. By embracing this vaccine, we can eliminate one form of cancer and move forward alongside the rest of the world. If you genuinely love and care for your daughter, delete that malicious voice note and allow her to receive the HPV vaccine – a significant step towards securing her future and protecting her from the devastating effects of cervical cancer.

Background on How HPV causes cancer?

Depending on the different parts of the body cell birth, ageing and death is a natural progress. When these cells refuse to die because of damage to DNA they become cancerous. Many check and balances are there to eliminate the cancerous cells like p53 induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) and immunity mediated elimination. But cancerous cells can corrupt these internal policemen and grow incessantly.  Now coming to your question. HPV-16 is a virus which is implicated in causing Cervical (uterine) cancer and Oropharyngeal cancer. When the cells are infected with HPV-16 or for that matter even HPV 18, 31, 45, most of the times the infection is transient. When the infection persists, especially over long periods of time, it can cause pre-cancerous lesions called CIN (1-3) and ultimately cancer. So all people infected with HPV 16 do not develop cancer. Few get rid of the infection, few develop CIN 1, few CIN 2 , few CIN 3 and few progress to cancer.  How does HPV cause cancer? There are two proteins called as E6 and E7. HPV 16 and 18 activate these two proteins. E6 corrupts p53 (degrades p53), remember p53 is a policeman and because of influence of E6 protein p53 is becomes incompetent to do its job. p53 is a tumor suppressor gene. Similarly E6 also degrades a pro-apototic protein called BAK. In short, HPV 16 through E6 allows the cells which it has infected to become immortal, that is cancerous. Similarly E7 corrupts Retinoblastoma gene which is another tumor suppressor gene. There are many other genes, proteins and pathways but for understanding purposes, the description has been kept simple. Now, what micro-environment is required? People infected with HPV-16 or 18 who smoke are at higher risk of developing malignancy. Repeated injury to cells, irritation to mucosa, repeated infection all increase the risk.

Get your girls Age 9-14 vaccinated today