Sydney Z. Spiesel, PhD MD Yale University School of Medicine.

HPV IMMUNIZATION RELUCTANCE

Sydney Z. Spiesel, PhD MDYale University School of Medicine

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warts

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cervical cancer incidence

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prevention of HPV transmission

•abstinence•condom use•immunization

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HPV vaccines

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HPV viruses and virus-like particles

HPV viruses

HPV virus-like particles

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Main cancer-causing HPV strains

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HPV vaccine requirements

contain at least HPV 16 and 18 VLPs (cancer) may also contain HPV 6 and 8 (genital warts)

administered as 3 shots over 6 months must be given before exposure for

effectiveness … not effective if given after exposure to vaccine strains of HPV for that reason, especially important to be started

early in adolescence

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adolescent vaccination rates

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parental reluctance

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reasons for not immunizing

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underlying issues

mistrust of authority and data especially medical authority

reliance on Internet Times New Roman effect

(note that this list is in Times New Roman)

ostensible issues … not needed (vaccine worthless; never at risk) too young questionable safety or side-effects promotes sexual activity

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the facts about HPV vaccination

immunization can prevent many cancers incredibly effective if given early boys as well as girls are at risk the vaccines are very safe fear-mongering is very common

especially on the internet many postings completely false

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practitioner non-advocating issues

need for time-consuming explanations dislike of raising issues around sexuality fear of parent reaction personal disapproval …“It's almost an assault

on their innocence to be talking about those things when they do not even know what I'm talking about”

-- David Castellan, a Lewisburg, Pa., pediatrician.

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unconscious issues in HPV shots

how can it be that my young teen – almost a baby – will soon/someday be having sex?

if I agree to HPV immunization will it be taken as tacit approval of sex?

will taking the vaccine decrease the perception of danger in sex and encourage experimentation?

will taking the vaccine damage my child’s innocence?

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innocence

a time of … “simplicity” “wonder” “openness” “a magic time” “free of ….”

“corruption” “lying” “cheating”

asexual “tranquility and serenity”

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issues I address with parents …

need for early administration HPV vaccine largely ineffective after exposure

HPV as a cause of cancer cervical oropharyngeal

HPV vaccine is well-tested, safe, effective valuable for both boys and girls

importance of skepticism toward what one hears or reads (especially on the internet)