Human papillomavirus vaccination policy: A public health ethics perspective
Journal
Taiwan Journal of Public Health
Journal Volume
32
Journal Issue
4
Pages
309-319
Date Issued
2013
Author(s)
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major factor in the etiology of cervical cancer. Two HPV vaccines, HPV4 (against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18) and HPV2 (against HPV 16 and 18), have been approved for adolescent girls younger than age 26. Due to concerns about the price, duration of protection, and vaccine safety, opinions differ on HPV vaccination policy. We reviewed the literature, and considered two issues from the public health ethics perspective highlighted in "Principles of the Ethical Practice of Public Health" co-issued by the United States Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention and the Public Health Leadership Society: (1) whether or not HPV vaccination should be mandatory, and (2) whether HPV vaccination should be paid for by the government. Given the limited current information, it is still debatable whether to adopt an obligatory HPV vaccination program. In the future, it will be necessary for policy makers to engage the public in open and transparent deliberation and earn the public's trust in seeing obligatory HPV vaccination as compatible with the principle of proportionality. In the best case scenario, analysis shows that it is cost-effective for people to voluntarily receive HPV vaccination. Currently, it is appropriate for the government to provide financial support to girls from low-income families. (Taiwan J Public Health. 2013;32(4):309-319).
Subjects
Cervical cancer; Human papillomavirus; Public health ethics; Vaccine
SDGs
Type
journal article