April 12, 2011 – The Gardasil vaccine, marketed by Merck to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, is ineffective in preventing cervical cancer in women aged 27 to 45.
This was recently indicated by the pharmaceutical company, in a press release.1.
On the one hand, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) denied Merck the right to extend vaccination to women in this age group. Clinical trials have not shown the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing both the appearance of abnormal cells or precancerous lesions (called CIN 2 or 3) and cervical cancer in women aged 27 to 45. years.
On the other hand, the FDA has imposed on Merck the obligation to add a warning on the label accompanying the vaccine, in order to inform doctors and patients that it is not indicated for women in this group. of age.
In Canada, 2 vaccines are authorized to prevent HPV infections as well as the resulting condyloma: Gardasil and Cervarix. In North America, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
In Quebec, Gardasil is offered free of charge as part of a vaccination program targeting girls aged 9 and over, in schools across the province. Vaccination is not compulsory.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. On this subject, see the press release issued by Merck: www.merck.com [consulté le 12 avril 2011].
