Health officials criticize Bachmann’s comment
By Kate Peifer Staff Writer peifer14@up.edu
Republican representative and presidential candidate Michele Bachmann's recent comments linking the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine to mental retardation have drawn rebukes from medical professionals and scientists around the country.
Officials at the University of Portland Health Center agree there was no scientific basis for her comments. The Health Center will continue to offer the vaccine.
"For now, the evidence is firmly on the side that the HPV vaccine can save lives with very little risk," Assistant Director for Nursing Services Tim Crump said. "I am appalled when anyone pushes aside science and risks lives to score political points."
According to Bachmann, a Florida woman told her that her daughter suffered from mental retardation after receiving the HPV vaccination.
The statement was made on NBC's Today show following the Sept. 13 Republican presidential debate, where Bachmann criticized Texas governor and presidential candidate Rick Perry for mandating the vaccine in Texas.
The HPV vaccination, formally known as Gardasil, is a three-dose series that protects against the human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer. It does not protect against all sexually transmitted diseases.
The HPV vaccination was affirmed to be safe last month by the Institute of Medicine, which advises and offers unbiased medical advice to the government and public.
According to national medical reports, 18,727 minor side effects were reported out of the 35 million doses of Gardasil administered.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics would like to correct false statements made in the Republican presidential campaign that HPV vaccine is dangerous and can cause mental retardation," Dr. Marion Burton, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said in a press release on Sept. 13. "There is absolutely no scientific validity to this statement. Since the vaccine has been introduced, more than 35 million doses have been administered, and it has an excellent safety record."
Bachmann later defended her statement the same day she appeared on the Today show.
"During the debate, I didn't make any statements that would indicate that I'm a doctor, I'm a scientist or that I'm making any conclusions about the drug one way or another," Bachmann said.
According to Paul Myers, Director of UP's Health Center, his staff, along with the Oregon College Health Association, discussed the pros and cons of the vaccination before offering it.
"When it comes to the HPV vaccination, it covers so many strains of the virus, it provides more probability of it being beneficial," Myers said.
Female students up to the age of 26 can set up an appointment in the Health Center to receive the vaccine. The university does not require the vaccination, but it is highly recommended, according to Myers.
"HPV can lead to the life-threatening illness, cervical cancer," Myers said. "We've had a large response but there are plenty of vaccines available."
Possible side effects after receiving the vaccine include pain and redness where the vaccine is given, fever, headache and fainting. Allergic reactions are also a potential side effect. However, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, those reactions rarely occur.
According to Myers, Bachmann's statement was unfortunate and similar to the myth that proliferated in 1999 about the MMR vaccination causing autism.
"We want to make sure the statements are health-related and not politicized," Myers said. "It was unfortunate that the whole thing happened since the benefits far outweigh the risks."
Sophomore Vanessa Schmautz heard Bachmann's comment and believes there needs to be further education on the importance of receiving vaccinations to prevent illnesses.
"I can understand her concerns of teenagers thinking that they are covered from all STDs after they have received the vaccine, because teenagers are naive and there is not good enough sexual education in this country," Schmautz said. "I do think that an increased awareness in the opportunity to help prevent HPV, and cervical cancer is a great opportunity for a family to discuss sexual education and make families more open to discussing touchy subjects."
Junior Michaela Mareva, who received all three doses of the vaccine, was shocked by Bachmann's statement.
"When a politician makes a claim that something in the medicine world would cause mental retardation, they send a huge message to people all over the country, causing panic and anxiety amongst mothers and daughters all over," Mareva said. "I have received the vaccination, and am happy to have done so based on the dangers of cervical cancer."
