A video featuring RFK Jr. claims that the HPV vaccine is extremely dangerous, was not properly tested, causes more deaths than cervical cancer, and that the company covered up serious health risks by manipulating study data.

The claims about HPV vaccines ignore extensive scientific research from around the world. Studies have shown that the vaccine is very safe and works well to prevent cancers caused by HPV. Before it was approved, the vaccine went through careful testing, and large studies continue to prove its safety.

The assertion that cervical cancer poses no risk to preteens and teens is misleading. HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer, is commonly spread during adolescence and young adulthood, and getting the vaccine before being exposed to HPV gives the best protection. According to the CDC, widespread HPV vaccination programs have already led to big drops in HPV infections and pre-cancerous conditions, lowering the risk of cancer later in life.

There’s no evidence for the claim that HPV vaccine trials had a death rate “37 times higher” than cervical cancer death. In fact, multiple research studies have found no increased risk of death or of severe events such as GBS or POTS from HPV vaccines compared to the general population.

The World Health Organization guides the ethical use of placebos in vaccine trials in certain situations. It is acceptable when no effective vaccine is available, and the new vaccine is intended to benefit the population being studied. However, using placebos is considered unacceptable when there is already an effective and safe vaccine accessible in the public health system of the country where the trial is planned. In such cases, it would be unethical to withhold the existing vaccine from participants if not receiving it would pose a significant risk to their health.

In some trials, researchers give a control an aluminum-adjuvant containing placebo instead of a saline placebo. Receiving a placebo with an aluminum adjuvant would feel different than receiving a pure saline placebo. Researchers choose these placebos to keep the trial randomized and blinded.

Many vaccines use aluminum-based adjuvants to help boost the immune response. These adjuvants have been well-studied for safety and are safe in small amounts. Importantly, other studies have used saline placebos for HPV vaccines, and they found no difference in serious side effects between the vaccine and placebo groups.

A viral article claims that HPV contains harmful HPV DNA fragments that can trigger autoimmune diseases, that pharma and the FDA covered up safety issues, and that regulatory agencies failed to properly test the vaccine–putting millions at risk.

The article claims that the HPV vaccine, is unsafe because it contains tiny pieces of HPV DNA left over from making the vaccine. While some studies, like those by Dr. Sin Hang Lee and commissioned by anti-vaccine group SANEVAX, have found small amounts of these DNA fragments in the vaccine, scientists and health experts agree that these fragments are harmless. The human body is very good at breaking down DNA, and there is no way for these tiny pieces to mix into a person’s own DNA or cause damage. According to the FDA, any DNA left in the vaccine is biologically inactive, meaning it does nothing to the body. This means there is no risk from these fragments, even if they are present.

One of the article’s claims is that the leftover DNA could cause the immune system to overreact and lead to diseases like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that affects blood circulation. The article suggests that these DNA pieces activate something in the body called Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), which helps the immune system recognize dangerous invaders like viruses. However, vaccines are supposed to activate the immune system so the body can learn how to fight infections safely. Just because TLR9 is involved in the immune response does not mean the vaccine is dangerous. Further, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) confirmed that the HPV vaccines do not cause POTS.

Scientific claims need strong evidence that different researchers can repeat. The studies that claim DNA fragments in HPV vaccines are dangerous have not been confirmed by other scientists, and their results have not been accepted by major health organizations.

On the other hand, many large studies have been done by independent researchers around the world, and they all show that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective. Just because scientists can find DNA in the vaccine does not mean it is harmful. The best way to know if a vaccine is safe is to look at millions of people who have taken it—and the evidence clearly shows that HPV vaccines prevent cancer and have no serious risks.

An old claim that vaccines contain cells from aborted fetuses is once again circulating.

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that need host cells to grow. Since human cells are sometimes best for growing human viruses, some vaccines use cell lines derived from two elective pregnancy terminations back in the 60s. Because these cell lines are practically immortal, manufacturers can continue using this cell line; there are no new sources of human fetal cells.

Dr. Stanley Plotkin, in a series of videos, explains how we can use fetal cell lines developed decades ago to manufacture vaccines today. The cell lines provided multiple advantages, including absence of animal viruses, a fertile place for cell growth, and the immortality of the cells (meaning no new fetuses need be destroyed to make another cell line).

Even with the remoteness of the issue of abortion to the vaccines in use, some people still have moral questions.

The Vatican advised adherents in 2005  about the acceptability of receiving some live, attenuated vaccines. To further clarify that statement, the Vatican issued another statement in 2017, which reads: “The moral obligation to guarantee the vaccination coverage necessary for the safety of others is no less urgent.”

Pope Francis, speaking about COVID vaccination, is quoted as saying, “I believe that morally everyone must take the vaccine.” Given the moral obligation to protect one’s community and the unlikelihood that people will get to choose vaccines the way they choose toppings at Subway, people of all faiths should take the vaccine they are offered.

Of course, people of other faiths may have similar hesitations about vaccines, so it is important for us all to build bridges with the faith-based organizations in our communities.