Pakistani parents rebuff HPV vaccine over infertility fears

Misinformation plagued Pakistan’s first campaign to vaccinate girls against cervical cancer, with parents in some areas refusing to open their doors to health workers. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine drive, which ended Saturday, aimed to administer 11 million doses but delivered only about half that target. On the first day, officials met 29 percent of their goal, but uptake fell sharply after viral social media videos claimed the vaccine caused infertility and was designed to control population growth.

SyedaRashidaBatool, Islamabad district health officer said “And regarding infertility, I would say it [vaccination] actually protects the fertility. The vaccine is protecting against cervical cancer. If a girl, if she's losing a cervix because of cervical cancer, how is she going to deliver a baby or conceive a baby?”

Specialists stressed that the vaccine is safe and prevents cervical cancer, which can lead to infertility if left untreated. Some families falsely claimed girls were underage to avoid vaccination, while health workers reported threats and hostility during door-to-door visits. Officials said efforts will continue to counter misinformation and expand immunization coverage in future campaigns.