Thursday, December 14, 2017

New Long-Term Vaccine Studies Show HPV Vaccine Success!

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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