RFK Jr. called HPV vaccine ‘defective’; CDC says it cuts cervical precancers by 80% in young women – The Times of India

Once touted as “dangerous and defective” by Robert F. Kennedy Jr, health and human services secretary, HPV vaccines have been making rapid progress in cervical cancer prevention for the last one and a half decade. A latest report by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the rates of precancerous lesions among women aged 20-24 screened for cervical cancer from 2008 to 2022 decreased about 80%.
Cervical cancer that begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, is caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus or HPV, which is a common infection passed through intimate contact. While the immune system usually clears the virus, in some cases it persists for years, leading to cervical cells turning cancerous.
According to the new CDC reports, between 2008 and 2022, a total of 39,977 cases of precancerous cervical lesions (CIN2+)were reported, with 13,027 (32.6%) classified as more severe lesions (CIN3+).
Among women aged 20–24 years, the incidence of precancerous lesions dropped sharply by 79.5% over the period, with an annual decline of 11.0%. Severe lesions in this age group showed a similar trend, falling by 80.3% between 2008 and 2022.

For women aged 25–29 years, the incidence of precancerous lesions increased by 3.1% per year from 2008 to 2016, then declined by 4.3% per year between 2016 and 2022, resulting in a stable overall trend. However, severe lesions in this group showed an overall decline, decreasing by 3.5% per year, leading to a 37.2% lower incidence in 2022 compared to 2008. In women aged 30–39 years, precancerous lesion rates rose slightly from 2008 to 2016, followed by a decline from 2016 to 2022. In women aged 40–64 years, the incidence of precancerous lesions increased significantly across the entire period.
The data show major declines in precancerous cervical lesions among younger women, especially those aged 20–24 years, which reflects the positive impact of HPV vaccination. On the other hand, older women saw rising rates, emphasizing the need for continued screening and prevention efforts at all ages.

Who should get vaccinated?

CDC advises routine vaccination of preteens at ages 11 or 12 years. The CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination for preteens at ages 11 or 12. However, vaccination can begin as early as age 9. HPV vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Two doses of HPV vaccination is given to those aged 9-14, 6-12 months apart. If the two doses are administered less than 5 months apart, a third dose is required. Those starting the series at ages 15 through 45 should receive three doses over six months, following a schedule of 0, 1–2 months, and 6 months. Regardless of age, immunocompromised persons should receive a three-dose series.

“Observed declines in cervical precancers are consistent with HPV vaccination impact and support Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations to vaccinate children against HPV at age 11–12 years with catch-up through age 26 years,” the CDC said.
“The data are consistent with a considerable impact from the U.S. HPV vaccination program on cervical precancers, with the largest decreases in the youngest age group for which benefit of vaccination would first be observed,” it added.
“As vaccinated women age into older age groups, declines in cervical precancers are expected.”