Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9832

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Sheldon T.
Drug company campaign adds to pressure on Dutch doctors to vaccinate against HPV
BMJ 2007 Apr 21; 334:(7598):819
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/334/7598/819

Abstract:

Dutch GPs are being urged to exercise restraint in the face of increasing demand to vaccinate young girls against human papillomavirus-seen as the main cause of cervical cancer.

The Dutch Health Council, which advises the Dutch government on public health issues, is due to report by the end of the year on whether to include the vaccine in the national vaccination programme.

But Sanofi Pasteur MSD, which manufactures the new vaccine Gardasil, has launched an information campaign highlighting the dangers of human papillomavirus. This includes radio spots featuring a media personality and websites, including www.beschermjedochter.nl (“Protect your daughter”). Complaints have been made that this contravenes the ban on public advertising of prescription only drugs, but the company argues that it is only offering information on a medical condition.

Meanwhile individual gynaecologists have also taken initiatives to offer the vaccine. The Spaarne Hospital near Amsterdam has invited parents and children to . . .