Why HPV vaccine was suspended in Japan

Since the launch of the bivalent HPV vaccine in mainland China, the country's publicity of cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccine has enabled many women to understand how to prevent cervical cancer, making HPV vaccine a hot topic today. HPV vaccine can prevent cancer, but I heard that it also has serious side effects and may even cause paralysis. Is this true? Japan has already stopped giving HPV vaccines? Is this true?

Why was HPV vaccine stopped in Japan?

In fact, the HPV vaccine has not been stopped in Japan. In 2016, 63 people who suffered side effects after taking the HPV vaccine in Japan filed lawsuits against the Japanese government, GlaxoSmithKline and Merck, two related pharmaceutical companies, in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka. Their age structure is 18 years old, and all of them experienced side effects after 1 to 3 vaccinations, including headaches, memory impairment, uncontrolled limbs, irregular menstruation and other symptoms.

From 2009 when Japan began selling cervical cancer vaccines in the market to November 2014, a total of 3.38 million people received cervical cancer vaccines, and 2,584 people experienced suspected side effects, accounting for 0.08% of the total. Subsequently, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan temporarily suspended the "active recommendation" for cervical cancer vaccination, but the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan believes that the logical relationship between the vaccine and side effects is not established, and the Global Advisory Group on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) organized by the World Health Organization reviewed the HPV vaccine safety data monitoring from first-tier vaccine distributors in the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and other countries. These data once again confirmed the safety of the vaccine, and there is currently no evidence to indicate that there is need to worry about the safety of the vaccine.

It is understood that the cervical cancer vaccine was approved for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2006. Currently, more than 100 countries in the world have approved the use of cervical cancer vaccines. Mainland China has approved the sale of 2-valent HPV vaccine, 4-valent HPV vaccine and 9-valent HPV vaccine, and the vaccination distribution has been carried out.

The World Health Organization's Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety believes that Japan's decision to stop recommending vaccination lacks solid evidence, and that safe and effective cervical cancer vaccines cannot be used flexibly. Young women who could have been protected from cancer are now exposed to the threat of cancer, which is the real harm.

Should I get the HPV vaccine?

Cervical cancer has always ranked high among cancer-related mortality rates among women worldwide. The 2018 Global Cancer Statistics Report shows that the prevalence of cervical cancer is 6.6% and the mortality rate is 7.5%. The vast majority of cervical cancers are caused by HPV16 and 18 infections. The 9-valent HPV vaccine is 98% effective in preventing cervical precancerous lesions caused by HPV16 and 18.

Safety Factors of HPV Vaccine

The safety factor of HPV vaccine has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the 9-valent HPV vaccine has been recommended by the UK ACIP as one of the basic HPV vaccines.

Is it true that people over 26 years old cannot get the HPV vaccine?

On October 6, 2018, the UK FDA approved the supplemental application for the 9-valent HPV vaccine, expanding the scope of HPV vaccine to women and men aged 9 to 45 years and above. Therefore, people over the age of 26 can get the HPV vaccine and there is no need to worry.

Can I still get the HPV vaccine after I’m married or pregnant?

Yes, up to 75% of sexually experienced men and women have the chance to be infected with HPV in their lifetime, and those who have only one or fixed sexual partner also have the chance to be infected with HPV. Although most infections can be cleared on their own, persistent infection with some HPV types can lead to cancer or other diseases. Therefore, whether you are married or pregnant, you can get the HPV vaccine.

Are there any side effects of the HPV vaccine?

Yes, the most common side effects include pain, swelling, itching, bruising and fever at the vaccination site, but these are all mild side effects.

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