HPV Vaccine Proven Safe and Effective, Studies Counter robert F. kennedy Jr.’s Claims
WASHINGTON – December 6, 2023 – Major new studies published by Cochrane, a global non-profit dedicated to healthcare research, definitively demonstrate teh safety and effectiveness of HPV vaccines in preventing cancer, directly contradicting claims made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The findings, released Tuesday, December 2, are being hailed as “methodically rigorous,” “robust,” and of “absolute reference” by experts.
Cochrane published two reviews of existing scientific literature,building on previous work from the late 2010s and incorporating numerous new studies. The first review, focused on clinical laboratory trials, found the vaccines to be safe but noted a lack of long-term data to assess effectiveness against cervical cancer within those trials.
Though, the second review, compiling over 200 studies analyzing the impact of vaccination campaigns, “clearly concludes that there is a decisive effect in preventing the appearance of thes cancers.” The protective effect is strongest when vaccination occurs before sexual activity, as many individuals are already exposed to the virus at older ages, diminishing the vaccine’s impact.
The studies also found the vaccine to be effective against cancers of the vulva,anus,and penis,though the evidence was described as ”of lower quality” due to the rarity of these conditions. Importantly, both reviews were reassuring regarding side effects, concluding that HPV vaccination is not associated wiht increased risk of long-term health problems or infertility.
“The vaccine works. Period,” stated dr. Linda Eckert,professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington and a cervical cancer expert,in a quote published by NBC News.
Jo Morrison, lead author of the Cochrane Reviews, added, according to NBC News, “Our results clearly show that there is no link with the various health problems that worry people,” referencing concerns circulating on social media about infertility, chronic fatigue syndrome, and paralysis.
The release of these findings comes as Robert F.Kennedy Jr. has increasingly focused on challenging childhood vaccinations. In 2019, he labeled the gardasil vaccine “the most dangerous vaccine ever designed.” The U.S. Department of Health has not yet responded to requests for comment from NBC News regarding the new studies and Kennedy’s claims.
