Together we can..

By Dr. Tom Spillane, M.D., Oncology 

For the first time in history, we have the opportunity to eradicate a specific type of cancer. Currently, there are around 40,000 new cases of HPV-related cancer per year in the United States. A vaccine that can eradicate this type of cancer has been FDA-approved since 2006. Gardasil 9 is recommended for males and females age 9 to 45. Extensive testing and evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of the therapy has been ongoing for the past 20 years. Approximately 300 million doses have been given worldwide. There have been NO significant adverse side effects. This virus is associated with horrendous cancer morbidity and mortality. Herd immunity is estimated to occur if an 80 percent vaccination rate is attained, thus eliminating the virus. A number of countries mandate this vaccine and are eradicating HPV associated cancer with vaccination rates above 80 percent. Why, then do we only complete vaccinations in San Luis Obispo at a rate of 34 percent? Primarily, this is because of a campaign of Internet hysteria and ignorance. Barriers to improving vaccination rates include misinformation, inconvenience, lack of education, and government hurdles to enforcing mandatory vaccination requirements.