Archdiocese apologizes, updates letter on HPV vaccine
SASKATOON The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina has reissued a letter on the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine after information sent out by the diocese came under criticism for containing out-of-date information.
The archdiocese quickly apologized for sending out the original letter, with theologian Brett Salkeld telling Postmedia News the information slipped out under its radar.
He said the letter, which was dated Sept. 25, was actually written roughly 10 years ago and was out of date.
In the previous letter, the bishops of Saskatchewan said the HPV vaccine must not be compulsory for young students, according to a copy published by CBC. It states a concern that the vaccine could lead to a false sense of security leading young people to engage in risky behaviour, and undermine a healthy sense of sexuality. It states scientific support is still at an early stage, and long-term effects are unknown.
Salkeld said the new letter, which is dated Oct. 5, corrects the information originally sent out in error and was authored after the Archdiocese of Regina consulted with medical professionals, including the province’s chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab.
He said the letter includes more information about the effectiveness of vaccine and its long-term side effects. “It’s a good news story,” he said. “The vaccine is working and it’s not having massive side effects. So we’re updating it to say the studies seem to indicate that this is an effective vaccine,” he said.
“The other set of concerns is around behaviour. The studies seem to indicate that this is not a case where there’s risk compensation going on in terms of promiscuity or anything like that.”
The bishops of Saskatchewan indicate they “sincerely regret the confusion we caused in our letter of Sept. 25, 2017, on the government funded school-based offering of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine” with the letter indicating the institution was introduced to numerous studies that document the effectiveness of the vaccine against cervical and throat cancer.
“We understand that the vaccine is generally considered to be safe, and is widely regarded today as an effective cancer prevention strategy for boys and girls alike,” the letter continues.
When asked about the letter’s effect on the trust that people put in the Archdiocese of Regina, Salkeld said he believes the quick response of the diocese should help.
“It is our hope that our forthright acknowledgment of our mistake and our quick and thorough work to correct it should help our credibility,” he said.
So we’re updating it to say the studies seem to indicate that this is an effective vaccine.