Cervical Cancer Vaccination For Schoolgirls Launched in South Africa
National vaccination campaign to prevent cervical cancer
A national vaccination campaign to prevent cervical cancer in women was launched on March 13, 2014 in South Africa. The initial target group seems to be Grade Four school girls. The majority of these girls are TEN years old. This vaccine is supposed to protect girls from cervical cancer in 20 years' time. According to South Africa’s Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, the vaccinations is an investment not only in the girls' health, but in the health of a future generation of women.
Harald zur Hausen
HPV – the culprits causing Cervical Cancer
The Human papillomavirus (HPV), a DNA virus from the papillomavirus family, had been identified already in 1983-1984 by the German virologist, Harald zur Hausen, as the virus causing 75% of human cervical cancer.
Harald zur Hausen, born 11 March 1936, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and also the Gairdner Foundation International Award in 2008 for his research on cancer of the cervix and his discovery of the role of papilloma viruses in this particular cancer. He identified HPV 16 and 18 DNA in cervical cancer tumors – the culprits responsible for ~75% of human cervical cancer. His research led to development of the vaccine, Gardasil. He also identified HPV 6 as the virus causing genital warts.
NB: Harald zur Hausen shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008 with Luc Montagnier and Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, the discoverers of the human immunodeficiency virus.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in SA women, killing approximately 3 400 women in South Africa each year.
According to research 70% of cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) - a very contagious virus transmitted during intimate skin-to-skin contact.
Two HPV vaccines on the market:
Two HPV vaccines are currently on the market:
- Gardasil, approved in 2006 by the United State’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), protects against HPV: 6, 11, 16 and 18. Gardasil is a quadrivalent vaccine manufactured by Merck.
- Cervarix, which is bivalent vaccine manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, has been approved by FDA in 2007 to protect against HPV 16 and 18.
Random Facts:
- HPV 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancers.
- HPV 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts.
- HPV 16 and 18 infections are also the cause of a unique type of oropharyngeal (throat) cancer.
- Gardasil is also indicated for boys and men ages 9-26, protecting them against HPV 6 and 11.
- Gardasil was also approved for the prevention of anal cancer in 2010.
In South Africa both Gardasil and Cervarix were approved by the Medicines Control Council (MCC) in February 2014. I am not yet sure which vaccine is applied in the current campaign against cervical cancer in South Africa. According to some articles in the local news papers it is 'completely safe and not the same as the one that was applied in Japan'.
As protection against cervical cancer the HPV-vaccine is given as a series of three injections over a 6 month period to females between the ages of 9 and 26. However, according to my granddaughter the girls in her school will receive only two: One now in March and one in November - 2 injections over a period of 8 months. (According to the newspapers the second campaign will be in October.)
Negative Reports on the HPV vaccines
A Cancer vaccine program with Gardasil, made by Merck & Co, and marketed by MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd., was suspended by India in July 2010 after the death of 4 girls and complications reported by 120 girls.
In June 2013 the government of Japan withdrew its recommendation to use the HPV vaccines in girls just a week after health officials in the United States had concluded that the vaccine effectiveness is indeed "high." The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has not suspended vaccination; they merely instructed local governments not to promote the use of the medicine while analyses are conducted about adverse effects. From December 2012 until March 2013 106 serious cases of body convulsions, pains in joints, and/or difficulty in walking have been reported.
Prescribing information in the US:
Gardasil: The most common systemic reactions in girls in American trials were headache (28.2%) and fever (13.0%). Arthralgia occurred in 1.2% of Gardasil recipients. In the entire American Gardasil study population of 29,323 individuals, 0.04% had serious systemic adverse reactions that were judged to be vaccine-related by a study investigator.
Cervarix: The most common systemic reactions were fatigue (54.6%) and headache (53.4%). Arthralgia occurred in 20.7% of Cervarix recipients. In the entire Cervarix study population of 16,381 females, 5.3% of recipients reported serious adverse reactions.
Complications reported not only in India are stomach disorders, epilepsy, headaches, early menarche, seizures, strokes, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, vomitting, muscle pain and weakness, joint pain, auto-immune problems, chest pains, hair loss, appetite loss, personality changes, insomnia, hand/leg tremors, arm/leg weakness, shortness of breath, heart problems, paralysis, itching, rashes, swelling, aching muscles, pelvic pain, nerve pain, menstrual cycle changes, fainting, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, nausea, and temporary vision/hearing loss, just to name some of them!
According to http://truthaboutgardasil.org/ thousands of girls are having adverse reactions to the HPV vaccines. Their report dated March 28, 2013 stated that at least 103 girls had died after receiving the vaccine.
Please visit their site for more information and contact moderator@truthaboutgardasil.org to file your complaints.
Author’s Note
My granddaughter (10 years old) received the first of 2 injections on Monday, March 24 (2014). Since Monday she is suffering side effects such as high fever, headache, fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, and pain.
We are all concerned about her and pray that she will get well soon. Her parents will most probably refuse the 2nd injection.
Nevertheless, we read in the newspapers -
that the vaccine used in South-Africa is
'completely safe. The HPV vaccine that caused deaths in Japan is completely different from the one that is being used in South Africa. The vaccine used by SA's government has been used for many years in the private sector without any adverse effects.'
Gardasil - The Damage is Done: From A Best Friend's View
Gardasil Victim Speaks Out After 2 Years
More hubs about the HPV vaccines -
© 2014 Martie Coetser
Comments
Hello Martie! It's been a while since I posted my comment here. I'm just wondering how your grandchild is doing now. Did she go through with the second and third shot? I hope her side effects are now gone and that she is doing much better.
Hugs and love,
Sannel
HPV vaccine is given routinely to all 13 year old girls here in the UK in school.
Thankfully my teenage daughter nor any of her friends have had any ill effects.
I am pleased you wrote on this subject, martiecoetser. I refused to allow my teenage daughter to receive the HPV shots given to other young girls at her school and I intend to write a hub explaining my reasons why. When it is completed, I will link to your story here.
So sorry about your granddaughter's reaction to the vaccine. I have heard medical personnel discuss the pros and cons of the vaccine. The answers vary. Myself, I would avoid it since the studies do not show the effectiveness of the vaccine. The side effects alone are concerning. Thanks for bringing this to a higher awareness.
This is terrible Martie. I am sorry to hear your granddaughter is starting to have side effects. those videos were so sad, what the hell are the schools thinking? even if one person has such bad effects then they should stop the whole vaccination program until its been approved safe. I am ashamed to say i wasn't sure if they used it over here in England, but yes they do, so far I haven't heard of any really bad cases happening on the news, but that's not the point. if this thing hurts and damages children and teens then it should be retested and retested until it darn well works properly! Well done for bringing this to our attention, I am sharing it everywhere, nell
This is very interesting. I'm so glad the vaccination is available to South Africa. Cervical cancer takes the life of too many young women. I'm so sorry to hear about the ill suffering your granddaughter went through. I didn't realize the vaccine is available to girls as young as 10. I have a daughter that age and the pediatrician has never spoken about it.
I can tell you that looking at the other end of that with those that I love, the very real dysplasia and looming cervical cancer, is a lot scarier--at least that is what we are dealing with now
Hello, Martie!
I haven't been here for so long and after signing in and opening my account the first hub I saw is this one. To be honest, I wasn't so sure what to comment. I haven't heard of this vaccine here in my place. And reading those side effects made me shiver. It is clear to me that the purpose of this vaccine is to protect the young girls from having cervical cancer in 20 years time by trying to give them painful choices. And by trying to kill some at an early age. I have a daughter, I know how it feels to be worried all the time about their health. Is this really the answer?
I hope that your granddaughter is okay now.
I hope your granddaughter is well soon. But as the mother of daughters in their 20s I find I must speak out in favor of this vaccination. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer for women in the US and the percentage of the population carrying HPV--both males and females in the US is very high-- And unfortunately, those young women with HPV often encounter high grade cervical dysplasia, leading to the most aggressive and lethal forms of cervical cancer. Vaccination right now is the only way we have to prevent this
Oh, Dearest Martie, I am so sorry your precious granddaughter had to go through all of this with the terrible side effects, but I am thankful to know she is much better now!
As always, you have brought a lot of insight to this issue and those videos are truly eye-openers for sure!
Superb hub to bring awareness, as I certainly was clueless about this Vaccine.
Up and more, pinning, tweeting and sharing
Hugs and love,
Faith Reaper
Oh Martie, I'm so Glad to read that your Granddaughter is ok again. But this Hub is Heartbreaking to read, and look at the Videos that you have provided. I had heard about the problems the other night on a News Report.
You've done an Excellent Hub, and have Educated those who did not know about this Vaccine. My Votes of Up, Interesting and Useful. Thanks dear friend.
Oh, Martie…my prayers and good wishes are with your granddaughter -- and with you as well.
“The vaccine used by SA's government has been used for many years in the private sector without any adverse effects.” This is shocking. How can they continue to say that there is “no causal link between the vaccine and the side effects” is beyond me. Our CDC still recommends this vaccine and Merck is still producing it, all the while “running studies.” I agree with Ruby; sometimes the remedy is worse than the condition it is intended to prohibit.
Martie, you take on bigger and more important topics at every turn. My best wishes to you and your granddaughter. I feel this step is very proavtive for both your granddaughter and the general population of South Africa. You keep tackling the big issues. I am also sending positive enegry in your direction.
Dear Martie,
I am sending hugs, positive energy and love for your sweet granddaughter to feel better soon.
In my community nursing notes: "The HPV vaccine is an important way for women to protect themselves against cervical cancer, which kills about 4,000 women each year in the U.S. Both vaccines protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. One of the vaccines can also help protect both men and women against genital warts. However, vaccination doesn’t protect against all HPV types that cause cervical cancers or genital warts. Whether you have to get vaccinated depends on your age and where you live. In certain states, girls and boys within the recommended ages may need to get the HPV vaccine in order to go to school."
As a parent, I would not be in favor of the vaccine for young girls. The risk - benefit ratio of a medical strategy must always be considered. This impressionable age is the key time for parents and teachers to raise awareness in our kids to the risks of sexually transmitted diseases.
This is an excellent, informative and thought provoking piece. I am proud of your advocacy and will keep a look out for further updates on your sweet girl. Love you, mar
Interesting and very useful Martie. I am so sorry that your daughter is suffering and you are in my thoughts. Thanks for sharing this great hub which I am sure will be useful for so many others. Lots of love coming your way from Wales.
Eddy.
Martie, This is one of the times when a parent is unsure. In your granddaughter's case, it is a positive, no more! I remember when this topic came up during the last election, Michelle Bachman told of a little girl dying from this injection. At the time i thought it was just a political ploy, but maybe not. Sometimes medicine is worse than the disease. A well composed article, saying a prayer for your beautiful granddaughter. Hugs.
The side effects is showing more effectively hope your granddaughter gets well soon though this is great idea to determine the Cervical Cancer with a vaccination.
The vaccination my seem like good idea, and many will benefit, but it is great to have choice. Hope you make the best decision for your granddaughter. Thank you for sharing this information.
Martie, I've seen so many advertisements in the past for Gardasil here in the states but haven't heard about the side effects. Although now that I think about it, I haven't seen any ads recently.
I'm so sorry your granddaughter is going through this. I pray she gets through okay. Thank you for doing the research and getting the info out. I'll gladly pass it along.
The best way to prevent cervical cancer is with routine Pap screening starting at age 21 years. Vaccination cannot prevent as many cervical cancers as can Pap screening. Gardasil and Cervarix does more harm than good!! It's not even fully researched yet!!
Please, take a look at this video and also read what it says about this vaccine. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive...
It's just sickening to know how far the pharmaceutical companies will go just to make money. My prayers and thoughts goes to your beautiful grand daughter and her family. I hope her side effects will improve, and she will not go through with the second and third shot.
My love and hugs,
Sannel
Its in the US alright as it is here in Ireland, link to youtube video in my Hub telling Ashley Ryburn's story who was a normal US girl before Gardasil vaccine. I did research into this vaccine when my daughter was offered it, this is the research I discovered about it here: https://hubpages.com/health/What-is-the-HPV-Cervic...
My daughter received the Gardasil vaccine here in the states with no ill effects. I'm not disputing these other reports, just stating my own experience. Most vaccines, measles, polio, etc., are scientifically sound.
Thank you for that excellent article. I'm also truly sad about your grand daughter's reaction to the vaccination. I will share your article on all my networks since I feel more mothers should think twice before exposing their children to any vaccinations today. When I first heard on the TV about this vaccination campaign to prevent cervical cancer, my first reaction was: I was horrified. I must admit that my reaction is not substantiated by me having any medical knowledge, but I just feel that the side effects you mentioned is for me proof that more articles like yours on the side effects must be spread over the internet.
Martie.....This is all new information to me. I think I would have seen something in the news if this vaccination campaign was here in the US currently. I do recall reading an article or perhaps it was a documentary on TV, about the testing and research that was on the horizon for just such a vaccine.
Your poor darling granddaughter...Martie I hope she is improving and these uncomfortable symptoms have subsided. I can imagine how you and her parents have worried over this. Have they contacted any other parents to ask if their own daughters were experiencing like problems?
An excellent informative hub, Martie. Keep us posted. Bless you....UP+++
I think it is a very timely and traumatic if not dramatic topic. I have conflicting "information" as well. I put "information" in quotation marks because I did not feel that I could trust medical and pharmaceutical community at all.
I was offered vaccination even though I am on the outlier's point (the recommended age is for females from 16 to 43). I was also told by a doctor that Cervavix was a better vaccine (hence more expensive, about $540) because it protects from more HPV variations and also boosts your immune system. Gardasil was good, too, but less expensive (about $400).
The other doctor told me that at my age, the only "benefit" is the benefit that the pharmaceutical company makes and it is quite substantial.
I think pharmaceutical companies are as rich as banks.
I just finished a course "Gaining Autonomy With Medication" (or "On the Other Side of the Pill")
and I was so regretful that I never really questioned much why I was prescribed this and that and what it does to me. The proper information is hard to obtain. It is harder still to make an informed decision.
I wish you the best with your granddaughter. I hope she will be okay.
I don't know what to say really because I was/am on the over-medicated side and I wish I wasn't.
Much love,
Svetlana
My prayers also go to your granddaughter. Interesting that I have heard nothing about this in the States. If it is effective I'm wondering why it isn't pushed here....something just seems strange to me about this. I hope I'm wrong but judging from the statistics you mentioned at the end and the side effects, I suspect I might be right. Blessings to you and yours my friend.
Martie - Your beautiful granddaughter is in my prayers along with the rest of your family. This must be a frightening time for you.
Be sure to let us all know how she is doing. I certainly wouldn't allow any more injections based on how sick she has become from the first one.
Our children should not be used as 'guinea pigs' for testing the HP vaccine. These are unthinkable reactions. I don't trust the reported 'studies' that have been done for this vaccine.
This outrages me. My best to you all Martie.
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