HPV infections are responsible
for virtually all cervical cancers, and numerous other types of cancers that result
in a high amount of death worldwide. 10 years ago, Gardasil was developed- a
4-valent HPV vaccine for types 6, 11, 16. And 18. Gardasil was stunningly protective
when it first came to market, boasting rates of protection higher than 99% in
some studies. However, despite this short term protective effect, it was not
known how the effectiveness of the vaccine would hold over time. Now, we know
the answer to that, is “quite well.”
Researchers conducted a longitudinal study over the
course of 10 years to track the rates of infection among vaccinated populations
of adolescents and unvaccinated controls over time. They found that Gardasil
has more than lived up to its reputation. Up to 96% of individuals vaccinated
with Gardasil remained seropositive for HPV after 10 years, indicating that
they are likely still immune to the covered strains of the virus. In addition,
researchers found no new adverse effects of the vaccine, and discovered that
people vaccinated at an earlier age retained more of their immunity than people
vaccinated at a later age. This research has further given weight to the practice
of delivering HPV vaccine universally, and at a young age.
-Cole Holderman
Sources:
1. Article
in the Journal of Pediatrics: 4-Valent Human Papillomavirus (4vHPV) Vaccine in
Preadolescents and Adolescents After 10 Years: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2017/11/20/peds.2016-3947.full
2. Science
News Article: HPV vaccine is effective, safe 10 years after it's
given, study shows: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171129131400.htm
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