Back in the news again, Merck & Co is now wanting to have this vaccine available to women 27 to 45 years old. Here are the latest links:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/01/09/gardasil-fda.html#articlecomments
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/cancer/gardasil.html
http://www.merck.com/newsroom/press_releases/product/2009_0109.html
I am continually amazed at the speed at which this vaccine has passed legislation in ANY country. Then again, consider this: Merck & Co. has to fill its coffers somehow after the Vioxx debacle, so what better way than to develop and market (emphasis on market) a vaccine as one that MAY prevent cervical cancer, lobby governments around the world to make it mandatory for school age-girls, create fear and guilt campaigns, charge $360 a pop, AND I’ m not done. In the United States, any girl or woman between the ages of 9 and 26 is obligated to have this vaccine before she can obtain her Green Card. If she is not vaccinated against a form of cancer, her application will be denied. The cancer itself is not a communicable disease, unlike AIDS or tuberculosis or Hepatitis-B. Yet you’re required by law to be vaccinated against possibly developing cervical cancer. But the 4 strains that can cause this type of cancer ARE transmitted sexually….but THAT part is kept on the low-down. Why is that? I’ll save my opinions on that for another post because it’s a very hot potato, and you know me, I burn water, so what I have to say on that part of the issue needs to be thought out a little more.
So now, Merck & Co has one target group, the 9-to-26-year-olds. Cha-ching! They’ve managed to include potential immigrant populations (I only know of the US that has adopted this policy in their immigration rules, I haven’t verified any other country). Cha-ching-ching!! Now they are on the cusp of adding the next target group, the 27-to-45-year-olds. Cha-ching-ching-ching!!!!!
And what better group than this to market an “anti-cancer” vaccine to (even if that’s not what it is): women, most of them working, lots with children, at a time in their lives where they are concerned with their health and well-being and that of their families and friends, in an age in history where the cancer bogeyman lurks in all that we eat and drink, all that we touch and breathe in.
I’ve created a page in the sidebar called Gardasil, and will keep adding as time goes on. What I say about this topic is my opinion. I don’t pretend to know more than the next person, nor do I dicate anyone to get their child vaccinated or not. I don’t stand in judgement of anyone who does, or of anyone who doesn’t. If I say anything, it’s this: Keep informed, look at the big picture, take care of yourself and those you’re responsible for, get a regular Pap test if you’re a woman, and listen to your intuition.
Love,
Chantal xoxoxo
