Psychiatric illness and GP visits before HPV-vaccine and risk of experiencing suspected side events.

What is it about?

In Denmark, the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination coverage has decreased in recent years probably because of extensive media attention on reports on suspected adverse events. However, several large international studies have not found associations between the HPV vaccines and serious adverse events. It is important to continuously investigate the safety of the HPV vaccines, but in addition, it is also important to look at other factors that may contribute to an explanation to why some women have experienced suspected adverse events after vaccination. Through data retrieved from various national health registries, this study has investigated psychiatric conditions and general practitioner (GP) attendance before vaccination and the risk of being referred to an HPV center because of suspected adverse events after vaccination. The study found that women referred to an HPV center more often had a psychiatric condition, psychological symptoms or higher GP attendance before vaccination. These results indicate that other factors than the vaccination may also play a role when experiencing suspected adverse events after vaccination.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The HPV-uptake in Denmark has been decreasing since a massive media attention on possible adverse events. Several research groups are investigating different aspects of this situaton. Our research group is focusing on the time period prior to HPV-vaccination to examine whether the affected girls and women were different prior to being vaccinated. This may provide some insight into the mechanisms behind the situation and perhaps help in the treatment of the affected girls and women.