"Sex" Vaccine Programs Stopped for Promoting Promiscuity In Young Girls

Large clinical trials and years of researches led Merck researchers to create a cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, found to be 100% effective against the cancer but also against vulval and vaginal warts induced by HPV (human papilloma virus) (types 6, 11, 16 and 18) and 98% protection against advanced pre-cancers induced by HPV types 16 and 18.

But plans for mass vaccination in young girls against the cervical cancer inducing virus have been stopped in several US states by conservative groups, who consider that this would encourage female promiscuity.

The creation of the vaccine required a four-year trial and almost 100 % of the vaccinated girls exposed to HPV 16 or 18 were safe. Those already exposed to the viruses were less protected by the vaccine, but early vaccination, at 11 years of age, would practically protect all the girls.

But the debate focuses on the fact that a vaccine against HPV types 16 and 18, the causing factor for 70% of cervical cancer cases would eliminate the risk of catching a sexually-transmitted disease, thus the conservationists consider the vaccine would increase sexual activity in young girls.

The trial's data made the US Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) to recommend vaccination while being 11-12 years old.

But the vaccination programs faced opposition in many states: West Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi and New Mexico; these states did not approve it.

The latest data of the trial show no side effects and this could balance the debate in 15 states where the opportunity of the program is still a debate.

Moreover, many say the vaccine would save a too small number of lives to justify its cost: roughly $360 for the three-doses needed.

The vaccine could have a higher impact in developing nations, where the screening programs are too expensive to apply and the GAVI Alliance, a public-private organization spending roughly $300 million annually on vaccination programs in poor countries, is already interested in funding HPV shots.