HPV Vaccine - Miracle Cure or Miracle Profits

The HPV Vaccine has already been administered to over 35 million people. At $585.00 for the three-dose recommendation, that has manufacturers of the vaccine receiving over 20 billion dollars. The vaccine is said to be effective for five years, possibly longer, but given that males and females aged 9-26 are said to benefit from this vaccine, that would mean each person would need three courses of the vaccine over their lifetime bringing in close to 60 billion dollars. So the manufacturers benefit, but do the people receiving this vaccine really benefit?

HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus. This virus is most commonly known as being responsible for genital warts. HPV affects both men and women and is contracted through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are over 40 strains of HPV. HPV is extremely common, however most people's bodies naturally cure HPV after a couple of years. There is a small percentage of the population that can develop cervical caner, penile cancer, anal cancer, vaginal cancer and more. Both men and women may be affected by HPV.

Before looking at the HPV vaccine it is important to note sexually active women and men should be screened annually by a physician and tested for HPV and cancer. Cervical cancer develops when HPV goes unchecked and can develop as a result of causes other than HPV. Most cases of HPV that could lead to cervical cancer can be prevented by early detection. Women who cannot afford health care are at a higher risk than women who visit a gynecologist regularly. Therefore it is critical that women are able to receive affordable or free gynecological health care and are educated about potential risks so they seek out health care. Women who do receive the vaccine are still encouraged to visit a health care provider on a regular basis to be screened for cervical cancer.

What is important to note is that this vaccine has been touted as a savior for women. As usual women are guilted into the vaccine through media coverage claiming we need to protect ourselves and it would be irresponsible to allow our girls to develop cervical cancer. Again, education is the best protection, however failing that, we should start to question why men aren't being encouraged to have this vaccine at the same rate.