the Safety of HPV Vaccines: Myths and Facts

Safety of the HPV Vaccine

Hello, doctor.
I am considering getting the HPV vaccine, but after researching online, I found that there have been reports of suspected autoimmune diseases associated with the vaccine both domestically and internationally.
I would like to know about the actual safety of the vaccine and whether the incidence of side effects in males is higher than in females.

Xiao Dong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/10

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! Currently, there is no definitive evidence to answer your question; however, regarding the safety of the HPV vaccine, I would like to provide the following information for your reference.
"While vaccination may be associated with the occurrence of autoimmune diseases, there is no evidence to confirm a causal relationship between the two.
Although there are concerns about the development of autoimmune diseases following vaccination, the risk of developing autoimmune diseases after vaccination is extremely low for the general population.
Therefore, vaccination is still recommended to prevent specific infectious diseases.
For high-risk groups, such as those with a history of adverse reactions to vaccines, a personal or family history of autoimmune diseases, or the presence of autoimmune antibodies, the benefits and risks of vaccination should be carefully considered."
Regarding the relationship between HPV and autoimmune diseases, "individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are considered a high-risk group for cervical cancer, and guidelines recommend that females with SLE receive the HPV vaccine during adolescence.
Although there have been case reports indicating that individuals with SLE experienced disease activation after receiving the HPV vaccine, the relationship between the two remains inconclusive.
Gatto et al.
(2013) analyzed cases of lupus occurring after HPV vaccination and found that many had a history of autoimmune diseases or family history, often experiencing mild discomfort after the first dose, with more significant symptoms after the second or third doses, but with good prognosis following treatment.
Therefore, for high-risk individuals, it is important to assess the benefits and risks before vaccination and to monitor for any autoimmune symptoms after vaccination." (Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Volume 35, Issue 2)
"According to a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014, there is no correlation between the cases in Japan and the HPV vaccine; the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) assessment in 2016 also found no scientific evidence linking serious adverse events to HPV vaccination.
Additionally, a 2017 WHO review of 26 clinical studies indicated that the number of adverse reaction cases did not increase following HPV vaccination." (National Health Service website)

Reply Date: 2023/06/10

More Info

The safety of HPV vaccines has been a topic of considerable discussion and research, especially given the concerns surrounding potential adverse effects, including autoimmune diseases. It is essential to clarify some myths and facts regarding the safety of HPV vaccines for both males and females.

First and foremost, extensive studies have shown that HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil and Gardasil 9, are safe and effective for both genders. The World Health Organization (WHO) and various health authorities have conducted thorough reviews of the safety data and have consistently concluded that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. The vaccines are designed to prevent certain types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer, other genital cancers, and genital warts.

Regarding the concerns about autoimmune diseases, while there have been anecdotal reports linking HPV vaccination to autoimmune conditions, large-scale studies have not found a causal relationship. For instance, a comprehensive review by the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) in 2016 concluded that there is no scientific evidence to support a link between HPV vaccination and severe adverse events, including autoimmune diseases. The risk of developing an autoimmune disease post-vaccination is extremely low, and the overall incidence of such events is comparable to that seen in the general population.

When it comes to the side effects of the HPV vaccine, they are generally mild and may include pain at the injection site, fever, dizziness, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare. Studies have shown that there is no significant difference in the incidence of side effects between males and females. Therefore, the notion that males may experience a higher rate of side effects compared to females is not supported by current evidence.

For individuals with a history of autoimmune diseases or those who are part of high-risk groups, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before vaccination. They can help weigh the benefits against potential risks based on individual health history. However, for the general population, including young adults and adolescents, the HPV vaccine is recommended as a safe preventive measure against HPV-related diseases.

In summary, the HPV vaccine is a critical tool in preventing HPV infections and the associated cancers. The safety profile of the vaccine is well-established, with no significant differences in side effects between males and females. While concerns about autoimmune diseases exist, the evidence does not support a causal link. Vaccination remains a vital public health strategy, and individuals are encouraged to discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their health.

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