CLAIM:
HPV vaccine is dangerous leading to infertility and death. HPV and cervical cancer are not significant threats.
FACT:
Scientific evidence shows that HPV is a real threat, and the vaccine is safe and effective. It does not lead to infertility or death. All major health organizations recommend HPV vaccine to combat cervical cancers.
Can the vaccination for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) kill you? That is what a woman who identifies herself as a mother and a naturopath says in a video that is doing the rounds on Whatsapp.
"In the informed consent, it says that the vaccine can even cause death. So can you sign such a paper and issue a death warrant for your child?," says the woman in the video that is also available on YouTube.
She compares the vaccine to poison and urges mothers not to vaccinate their children, while speaking at a press conference of the United Health Organization - Awaken India Movement which is a known anti-vaccine organization.
"Please study the ingredients of the HPV vaccine. No matter what any celebrity says, you cannot give poison to your children," she appeals to mothers, drawing parallels between choosing ingredients for cooking and scrutinizing vaccine components.
She says they had never even heard of cervical cancer earlier, and that it was something that affects sex workers and it can self-heal. "Is your child a sex worker?" she asks for effect, while trying to dissuade parents from vaccinating their children against the high-risk, but preventable disease.
The speaker, claiming to be a cancer survivor who recovered "naturally, without chemotherapy, without radiation, without surgery," says cancers can be treated "naturally" and cervical cancer is not as scary as it is made out to be.
She goes on to claim that the children are being used for a trial, and that it is part of a larger "de-population agenda" as the vaccine allegedly causes fertility issues later on in life.
"Not our girls! Sorry, not our girls!," she says at the end.
So what is the truth behind the HPV vaccine? Is it safe and effective, and should you or your loved ones get the shot?
The question is of great significance for India, as the government's estimates show that in India "cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women and India contributes the largest proportion of global cervical cancer burden." It goes on to say that "most cervical cancers are associated with the Human Papilloma Virus(HPV)and the HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if the vaccine is given before girls or women are exposed to the virus."
The First Check Team examined the claims made against the vaccine, and found them to be false, with no real evidence to back them up.
HPV is a well-studied virus with over 200 related types, some linked to cancer. The HPV vaccine is deemed safe and effective by major health organizations after extensive monitoring. Studies show no connection between the vaccine and infertility or ovarian failure.
Contrary to the video's assertions, HPV-related cancers require medical intervention and cannot be treated naturally alone. The World Health Organization outlines evidence-based prevention strategies and treatment options for cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and proper medical care.
First Check has previously done multiple stories on HPV vaccines, which are linked here.
This misinformation on HPV needs to be combated as it could increase vaccine hesitancy, potentially leading to serious health consequences.
