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Indian Pediatr 2011;48:
248 |
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Human PapillomaVirus Vaccines and Current
Controversy |
SC Singhal
Singla Children & Maternity Hospital, 37/13 Extension,
Urban Estate, Karnal 132 001, Haryana, India.
Email: [email protected]
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I fully agree with the views expressed by the authors [1] as far as the
role of HPV vaccine in prevention of cervical cancer is concerned. I also
agree that the vaccine is safe, devoid of any serious side effects,
ethical, and socially desirable. But will it be legally safe to use this
vaccine? When the authors have themselves agreed that suspending clinical
trial while allowing clinical use is illogical, it does not require to be
a legal luminary to conclude that when even the clinical trial of a
drug/vaccine is suspended, its clinical use will not only be illogical but
illegal too. Will the arguments given by them be valid in a court of law
in case of any mishap after this vaccination, which may or may not be
related to this vaccine. Every court is going to rule that when even
clinical trial was suspended how clinical use can be justified. Moreover,
as per media reports, which may or may not be correct, DGHS, Government of
India has written to health ministers of all states not to use this
vaccine till further orders (The Hindu 8th April, 2010). Therefore, I feel
that one should not use this vaccine till the enquiry is finally over and
the government clears this vaccine for all purposes. Please specify the
official views of Indian Academy of Pediatrics regarding the legality of
this vaccine, for the benefit of all members of IAP, especially
practitioners.
Reference
1. Choudhury P, John TJ. Human papillomavirus vaccine and current
controversy. Indian Pediatr. 2010;47:724-5.
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