Fact Check: Is the HPV vaccine harmful, acting as a poison for children?

A video making several claims against HPV vaccination, calling it akin to poison and appealing to mothers not to give their children this vaccine, has gone viral on WhatsApp. It's available on Youtube as well. This video is FALSE and misleading. 

Claim:

In a recent viral video, the woman at the event of Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh claims that she is a naturopath and also a mother and slams various celebrities for coming out in favor of HPV vaccine for the prevention of cancer. She appeals to the mothers in the audience by saying that when you cook at home you carefully choose ingredients like turmeric, salt, chili, and spices so that you know what you are feeding your children, Similarly please study the ingredients of the HPV vaccine implying that it is akin to giving poison children. "No matter what any celebrity says, you cannot give poison to your children." She also says "Even if Amitabh Bachchan, Jhanvi Kapoor, or Shilpa Shetty say so, you must go beyond that. It’s your child, not the government’s, not the doctor’s, not the celebrity’s—it’s your child. You need to study what this is."

She then goes on to claim that this virus (HPV) has suddenly emerged, adding that if you decide to give the HPV vaccine, informed consent is like a death warrant. "If you decide to give it demand informed consent because, in informed consent, it’s written that the HPV vaccines can cause death." a woman claims. She then goes on to say that we haven't heard of cervical cancer before, that it happens to sex workers, and it can cure itself. Further questioning the audience about whether their children are sex workers and appealing that they should not give their children this HPV vaccine. The woman then goes on to claim that she is a cancer survivor who naturally healed herself without chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. 

She said, "So I know that cancer can also be natural, and it’s not as scary as they say. This cervical cancer is nothing to fear; it’s like a ghost, a ghost, a ghost, a ghost. Prove it—there’s no data showing its presence. There’s no fragrance, no HPV virus, so why put our children in the jaws of death out of deception?"

She further claims, "Your children are being used for a trial. This is real; it’s not rare. It’s already happening. They are compromising your children’s fertility so they won’t be able to have children in the future. One side effect is ovarian failure, which means your child’s eggs will be permanently destroyed, and they won’t be able to have children in the future. This is what they say when they claim they haven't studied this yet, that the biggest side effect that affects a child’s life hasn’t been studied. What are you approving? Just think about what our regulatory agencies are passing. Our children are not toys to be experimented on. They are not for trial and error."

This video has gone viral on WhatsApp. It is also available on Youtube. The youtube video can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claims made in the video are FALSE and MISLEADING. The video in question appears to spread misinformation and fear regarding the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer. The claims made in the video are largely unsupported by scientific evidence and include certain elements of conspiracy theories, misleading statements, and false assertions about the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine. The video makes several scientifically inaccurate claims that are not backed by credible scientific evidence. 

Let's look at the claims made in the video one by one.  

Is the HPV virus real, or is it a myth?

HPV is not a myth and exists in reality. Cancer.gov defines, "HPV or human papillomavirus is a type of virus that has been well studied in the scientific domain and certainly does exist. It is concluded by the researchers that more than 200 related viruses, some of which are transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact. These sexually transmitted HPV types are classified into two categories: low-risk and high-risk.

In an article published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews, it was shown that several forms of HPV have been studied to show a risk of cancer. High-risk HPV strains have the potential to cause various forms of cancer. There are 12 identified high-risk types, including HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59, with HPV 16 and 18 being responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers. While low-risk HPV types rarely lead to cancer, some can cause warts to develop on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat. When these warts appear in the larynx or respiratory tract, they can result in a condition called respiratory papillomatosis, which may lead to breathing difficulties.

In a document published by ICMR, the epidemiological estimates suggest that the global prevalence of HPV infection ranges from 9 to 13%, equating to approximately 630 million women affected."

The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team spoke with Dr Anuja Thomas, Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital and she said, "Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is real and not a myth. It impacts millions worldwide and is known to be the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is transmitted after coming in skin-to-skin contact, including genital-to-genital contact, oral sex, vaginal sex, and anal sex. HPV vaccine prevents cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, oropharyngeal, and penile cancers. So, remember that HPV vaccination can prevent cancers both, in women and men along with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is imperative to consult the doctor and take vaccination without fail."

Has the HPV virus suddenly emerged?

No, the HPV virus hasn't emerged suddenly. HPV's association with warts (benign skin growths) has been known since ancient times. However, the understanding that these warts were caused by a virus came with the advent of virology in the 20th century.

In the mid-1980s, Harald zur Hausen and his team’s molecular cloning of HPV16 and HPV18 genomes uncovered that HPV infection is the primary cause of most cervical cancers. Their research highlighted the significance of viral E6 and E7 oncogenes, deepening the understanding of cervical cancer's viral-driven pathogenesis. For this very discovery of “human papillomavirus causing cervical cancer”, Harald zur Hausen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008. You can read about his journey on the official site of Nobel by clicking on this Link 

Is HPV Vaccine Safe?

Several international guidelines recommend vaccines as major prevention. As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "More than 15 years of monitoring and research have accumulated reassuring evidence that HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against cancers caused by HPV infections.

WHO emphasizes that the HPV vaccine is crucial for preventing cervical cancer. The WHO's Global Strategy aims to eliminate cervical cancer by reducing new cases to 4 or fewer per 100,000 women. By 2030, targets include vaccinating 90% of girls with the HPV vaccine by age 15, screening 70% of women by ages 35 and 45, and treating 90% of women with cervical disease.

Can the HPV vaccine lead to infertility or cause ovarian failure in women?

This myth has been circulating but has no scientific basis. This very hypothesis has been the subject of scientific scrutiny. Studies have found that there is no link between the vaccine and ovarian failure 

A study led by Robert A. Bednarczyk et. al. found no link between HPV vaccination and ovarian failure. Early ovarian insufficiency, which occurs more frequently than anticipated, affects approximately 1 in 10,000 young women. In a large study involving nearly 200,000 young women, 46 cases of ovarian insufficiency were identified, but none were connected to the HPV vaccine or other routine vaccines given during adolescence.

Another study published in JAMA Network in 2021 by Anders Hviid et. al found no link between HPV vaccination and primary ovarian insufficiency. This study was performed on 996 300 Danish girls and women

Dr Smriti Uppal, MBBS, MD, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist said, "There’s a lot of misinformation out there about the HPV vaccine, including concerns that it might cause infertility or lead to ovarian failure in women. As a doctor, I want to reassure you that this isn't true. The vaccine is an important tool in preventing cervical and other cancers, which can have serious health consequences if left unchecked. I understand that making decisions about vaccines can be stressful, especially when it comes to your reproductive health. But please know that the HPV vaccine has been rigorously tested, and its benefits far outweigh any unfounded concerns. If you have any worries, I encourage you to discuss them with an oncologist so you can make an informed choice."

Is the HPV vaccine harmful, potentially acting as a poison?

No HPV vaccine is one of the well-studied vaccines and has been considered safe by various bodies,

According to UNICEF, the HPV vaccine is a reliable and effective method to protect against HPV infections and cancers associated with the virus. By being informed about vaccinating your children, you are helping to ensure a healthier future for the next generation. UNICEF also mentioned that similar to other vaccines, the HPV vaccine may cause side effects, which are typically mild, such as pain at the injection site, fever, or dizziness. Serious side effects are exceedingly uncommon.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 135 million doses of HPV vaccines have been administered in the United States, with extensive data affirming their safety. The CDC's VAERS data indicates that there are some common side effects of to the HPV vaccine that include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, along with dizziness, fainting (especially in adolescents), nausea, and headaches. Severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are rare, occurring at a rate of approximately 3 cases per million doses.

Dr. Anuja Thomas, Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital further explained, "While side effects can occur, they are generally mild, and the benefits of the vaccine greatly outweigh the risks for the vast majority of recipients The benefits of protection against these cancers far outweigh the minor and very rare side effects associated with the vaccine.Be assured that the vaccine doesn’t have any negative effect on a woman’s reproductive performance, fertility, or any signs of developmental toxicity. There is no study to prove that the HPV vaccine affects fertility. The HPV vaccine is safe and efficacious and should be taken by women without fail. It can offer protection against viruses that can lead to cancer."

Can HPV-related cancer be treated naturally without any medical intervention? 

No, HPV-related cancers cannot be effectively be treated naturally without medical intervention. As per WHO, Cancer can be managed and may be prevented by certain lifestyle changes.

"Between 30% and 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies. Early detection and effective management of patients who develop cancer can significantly reduce the cancer burden, while prevention remains the most cost-effective long-term strategy for cancer control," states the WHO

WHO (link provided before) lays down the preventive and treatment strategies for managing cancer.

Key preventive measures include avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption. Practicing safe sex and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV) are also crucial. Additionally, reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, minimizing unnecessary ionizing radiation exposure through safe occupational practices and medical use, and avoiding urban air pollution and indoor smoke from solid fuels can lower cancer risk. Regular medical care is vital for early detection and addressing chronic infections that may contribute to cancer, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the prevalence of such infections is higher. By adopting these strategies, a significant portion of cancer cases and deaths could be avoided, leading to improved public health outcomes globally.

Preventive strategies for early cancer detection include two key approaches which include Early diagnosis involves identifying symptomatic cancer cases as soon as possible to improve treatment outcomes. Screening is used to detect individuals with potential cancer or pre-cancer conditions before symptoms appear, ensuring they receive timely diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment options vary, including surgery, cancer medications, and radiotherapy, either individually or in combination. A multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists recommends the most appropriate treatment plan based on the type of tumor, cancer stage, clinical factors, and patient preferences, while also considering the health system's capabilities.

Palliative care, which aims to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families, is a critical aspect of cancer care. Survivorship care involves ongoing monitoring for cancer recurrence, detecting new cancers, managing long-term side effects, and providing services to meet the needs of cancer survivors.

Dr. Aditya Sarin, Associate Consultant Department of Oncology, Sir Gangaram Hospital said, "HPV is a sexually transmitted virus and it has high risk genotypes like HPV 16 and 18, which causes you know 70% cervical cancer. There are other types as well like 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, which causes additional 20% of the cancer. In fact, HPV 16 and 18 also cause 90% of anal cancers and other cancers like oropharyngeal, vulvar, vaginal and penile cancers. HPV 6 and 11 is associated with 90% of anogenital warts. So you can just see how much this virus is contributing to the morbidity. In India, this is the second most common cancer, which is the cervical cancer we are facing. There are 1.2 lakh new patients every year and 80,000 deaths per year as per Globocon 2022. So, obviously, we need to have vaccines to prevent such kind of cancers. So HPV vaccine, these have been developed to protect against the HPV infection and the development of the subsequent HPV associated disease. In US, Sanders et al and Roulette et al has predicted that HPV vaccine can prevent more than 2 lakh HPV infections, more than 1 lakh abnormal cytology and approximately 3 to 4,000 cases of cervical cancers. So therefore, it is very important in our setting before it becomes a major disease burden to stop the spread of HPV virus. The good thing about the vaccine is that it has the ability to develop a herd immunity so that if a lot of females have been vaccinated, there can be a development of herd immunity. It is also helpful in males as well. So one thought was that it is only to be given in the females. Well, no, it is to be given in the males as well because HPV 16 and HPV 18 are associated with anal cancers. So with this background, I think whatever amount of information we have, it is sufficient to say that HPV vaccine should be done as early as possible. So from 9 years to 14 years of a female, you give 2 doses and patients who are more than 15 years, you give 3 doses."  

Medical dialogues Final Take

The video makes False and Misleading making series of false claims about the HPV and HPV vaccine, and instilling unnecessary fear against the vaccine. The statements that the HPV vaccine can cause death or infertility are not true and lack scientific support. The HPV vaccine is proven to be safe and effective in preventing HPV-related cancers, like cervical cancer. It is recommended by major health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Contrary to the video's claims, informed consent for the HPV vaccine does not state that it "can cause death." Instead, it mentions that side effects are usually mild, with serious reactions being extremely rare. Misinformation like this video can lead people adds to vaccine hesitancy and people not taking the vaccine which can have more serious consequences in the risk of cervical cancer 

Hence, this video is false and misleading.

References

1. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer#what-is-hpv-human-papillomavirus
2. Burd EM. Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2003 Jan;16(1):1-17. doi: 10.1128/CMR.16.1.1-17.2003. PMID: 12525422; PMCID: PMC145302.
3. https://main.icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/reports/Annexure_20.pdf
4. Lowy DR. Harald zur Hausen (1936 to 2023): Discoverer of human papillomavirus infection as the main cause of cervical cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024 Mar 12;121(11):e2400517121. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2400517121. Epub 2024 Mar 4. PMID: 38437560; PMCID: PMC10945753.
5. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
6. Bednarczyk RA. Addressing HPV vaccine myths: practical information for healthcare providers. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2019;15(7-8):1628-1638. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1565267. Epub 2019 Feb 20. PMID: 30676241; PMCID: PMC6746482.
7. Hviid A, Myrup Thiesson E. Association Between Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Primary Ovarian Insufficiency in a Nationwide Cohort. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Aug 2;4(8):e2120391. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.20391. PMID: 34436612; PMCID: PMC8391101.
8. https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/frequently-asked-questions-about-hpv-vaccine
9. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/vaccination-considerations/safety-and-effectiveness-data.html
10. https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer#tab=tab_3