Cervical Cancer Vaccine: 'dangers Mean More Research Is Needed'

Main Category: Cervical Cancer / HPV Vaccine
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Sexual Health / STDs;  Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 01 Oct 2008 - 6:00 PST

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An independent health researcher is calling on the government for more research into the possible side-effects of the cervical cancer vaccine that is currently being given to teenage girls throughout the country.

Grace Filby, who won a Churchill Fellowship for her research into phage therapy, believes that not enough is known about the effects of the vaccine on children with pre-existing medical conditions and with weakened immune systems from their existing medication.

Grace, of Reigate, Surrey, said: "We simply do not know whether the vaccine interacts with other medication or medical conditions, and the manufacturers have not studied it yet. This could be a very valid reason why some families and schools might hesitate or opt out."

She has this week written to UK education ministers and health officials calling for urgent small-scale independent studies that would highlight any health problems stemming from vaccinations already carried out.

Grace, who has years of experience teaching innovative science and special educational needs projects, said: "Whilst many schools are awaiting their first vaccine injections, there are opportunities to provide valuable information and guidance to parents and pupils concerned about side effects from Cervarix, the cancer vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline."

She suggested a study of attendance records at St Monica's High School in Lancashire, where school governors have reported that a number of girls were either absent from school following their vaccination or had to be sent home suffering from dizziness, nausea, joint pain, headaches or high temperature. She also suggested a study of any side-effects at the Royal Alexandra and Albert state boarding school in Reigate, Surrey, where Year 8 girls had their first jabs on Friday 26 September, the same day that the school hosted BBC Radio 4's Any Questions? A response on Any Answers? points out the additional risks of vaccinations to some children, e.g. with epilepsy in the family, on their doctor's advice.

"With schools taking so much responsibility in this massive vaccination programme," said Grace Filby, " The Department for Children, Schools and Families could be making a valuable contribution to the debate by facilitating a couple of simple, independent studies. I have written to both schools with the suggestion, and I do hope the education ministers will help by giving it their blessing."

Written by Grace Filby

Grace Filby BA(Hons) Cert Ed FRSA
Churchill Fellow
www.relax-well.co.uk