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| - Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims the HPV vaccine can cause permanent disabilities and worsen symptoms of POTS during pregnancy. Our fact check reveals these claims are False.
The Claim
A recent post on Threads asserts that the HPV vaccine causes permanent disabilities and worsens POTS, particularly during pregnancy. It also suggests that avoiding the vaccine is a safer choice, implying the risks outweigh the benefits for both adults and children.
Fact Check
Does the HPV vaccine cause permanent disabilities?
No, there is no evidence that the HPV vaccine causes permanent disabilities. This vaccine has been rigorously tested and is continuously monitored worldwide. Reputable organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm its safety. Most side effects are mild, such as pain at the injection site or a slight fever. Serious reactions are rare and similar to those seen with other vaccines.
Can the HPV vaccine cause or worsen POTS, especially during pregnancy?
No, studies show no link between the HPV vaccine and POTS. POTS is a condition affecting heart rate and blood pressure, causing dizziness and rapid heartbeat when standing. Isolated reports exist of individuals developing POTS after vaccination, but extensive reviews, including one from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), found no causal relationship. While pregnancy can change POTS symptoms due to bodily changes, there’s no evidence the HPV vaccine triggers or worsens POTS.
Concerns about vaccine safety, such as those surrounding the HPV vaccine, highlight the importance of evidence-based information in health discussions, much like the ongoing debates about non-medication solutions for managing diabetes.
Can the HPV vaccine increase cancer risk in a small percentage of people?
No, the HPV vaccine does not cause cancer; it prevents it. This vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can lead to various cancers, including cervical, anal, and throat cancers. By targeting high-risk strains of HPV, the vaccine significantly lowers the chance of developing these cancers. Many studies support its effectiveness, showing a decline in HPV-related cancer rates in areas with high vaccination coverage.
Is it safer to avoid the HPV vaccine to reduce risks?
No, avoiding the HPV vaccine increases the risk of HPV-related cancers. The vaccine is over 90% effective at preventing infections from the most dangerous HPV strains. Not getting vaccinated leaves individuals, especially young people, vulnerable to these strains, raising their risk of cancer later in life. The vaccine’s safety has been well-studied, and adverse effects are usually mild and temporary. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh any minimal risks.
HPV vaccines (Cervarix, Gardasil, Gardasil 9, Silgard) are not linked to POTS. Studies show no increased risk of POTS among vaccinated individuals compared to the general population, which sees around 150 cases per million. Although some POTS symptoms resemble those of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), research has found no connection between the vaccine and CFS. Experts agree the benefits of HPV vaccination, particularly cervical cancer prevention, far outweigh any potential risks. Ongoing safety monitoring will continue to safeguard public health.
Dr Ayush Heda, MD, DNB (Gynaecology), MCh, Fellow of the European Society of Gynaecologic Oncology, Berlin, emphasises that “HPV infection is the main cause of cervical cancer, but vaccination and regular screenings can prevent it effectively. The HPV vaccine protects against high-risk types of HPV and has been proven to be safe and highly effective, especially when given to children aged 9 to 14. While some may worry about vaccine safety, extensive research over many years shows that the benefits greatly outweigh any minimal risks. Currently, 143 countries have included the vaccine in their national immunisation programmes, and India is on track to introduce its own version. Parents can feel confident that vaccinating their children and promoting regular screenings will significantly lower the risk of cervical cancer.”
Should parents vaccinate their children against HPV?
Yes, health authorities worldwide recommend vaccinating children against HPV as a key step in cancer prevention. Vaccinating preteens before they are exposed to the virus is the most effective way to prevent HPV-related cancers. The WHO and CDC advise giving the vaccine to both girls and boys (biological females and males) aged 11-12, but it can start as early as age 9. Widespread vaccination helps reduce the spread of HPV and the incidence of related cancers. Unfortunately, there are claims which suggest that HPV vaccines are harmful for children. But this is not true. Avoiding the vaccine based on misconceptions or safety fears can leave children vulnerable to a virus that causes thousands of cancer cases each year.
We spoke with Dr Akanksha Tripathi, Senior Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Paras Hospital in Udaipur, about the HPV vaccine’s benefits. She explains, “The HPV vaccine specifically targets the human papillomavirus, which is responsible for most cervical cancer cases. By helping the body build immunity to the virus, the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of infection. In terms of safety, extensive research and years of monitoring confirm that the vaccine is safe for both young girls and boys (biological females and males). It undergoes thorough testing before approval, and any side effects are usually mild, such as soreness at the injection site. Overall, the protection it offers against cervical cancer far exceeds any minimal risks.”
THIP Media Take
Claims that the HPV vaccine can cause permanent disabilities, worsen POTS, or increase cancer risk are unfounded and contradict extensive scientific evidence. The HPV vaccine remains a safe and effective tool for preventing HPV-related cancers. Misleading claims should not deter individuals from seeking this vital protection. Relying on accurate, evidence-based information is crucial for making informed health decisions.
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