Vaccinating teenage girls against the human papilloma virus (HPV) does not appear to increase risky sexual behaviour. There was concern that receiving the vaccination would cause an increase in such behaviour, however this study shows the concern is unfounded and should not prevent vaccinating girls at a young age.
The study followed over 260,000 girls in Ontario, of whom more than 125,000 were eligible to receive the vaccine as part of Ontario’s Grade 8 HPV immunization program.
The researchers found no sign of increased risky sexual behaviour (pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases) in girls after they received the vaccine. The new findings support those of a small study conducted in the United States that found similar results.
Original research paper published in CMAJ on December 8, 2014.
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