First printed in "The Star" in May 2008, Tat's write up on the Government approved Gardasil HPV ("anti-cervical cancer" vaccine) is still relevant.  Essentially: the health risk that this vaccine addresses is low to begin with - cervical cancer is a very minor cause of death amongst women (e.g. compared to the numbers affected by other cancers or even motor vehicle accidents).  This vaccine has not been shown in any clinical trial to prevent any deaths at all over the long term (10+ years); these benefits have been calculated by assumption filled computer models, and not by observing actual teenagers who have been vaccinated as they move into their 30's and 40's.  Cervical cancer can actually be very effectively detected and treated but that relies on women being disciplined about receiving smear tests. So worst of all - it is a strong possibility that young women who receive this vaccine will become more complacent about getting their smear tests, therefore increasing their overall risk, not decreasing it.  If you are generally cautious about the use of drugs/vaccinations and their long term impact on your body's health and function then this vaccine is a great one to avoid.  Read the pdf here.