This story clearly distinguishes between infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) – which Merck’s new Gardasil vaccine aims to prevent – and the development of cervical cancer, prevention of which is the ultimate goal of the vaccine.
However, it fails to explain a few things about the vaccine and its target, such as how many women are infected with the cancer-causing HPV strains, how many women develop cervical cancer, and perhaps most importantly, what researchers know about how well this new vaccine works to prevent cancer or precancerous changes in the cervix. Hearing more about this from an independent expert, rather than from two Merck representatives, would have provided some balance.
While it states that cervical cancer is a leading cancer killer in developing countries, the article doesn’t address the potential cost of the vaccine in those areas (or in the US).
There is no mention of the projected cost of the new vaccine. This information may not be available at this time, but an expert could have given an educated estimate.
As noted above, the article does not provide numbers of women who were protected from HPV infection in trials of the vaccine.
The story notes some questions raised by the FDA about the vaccine’s safety–but gives the last word on the concerns to the Merck spokesman, who downplayed their significance. In addition, the number of birth abnormalities was lower in the vaccine group, but it is reported as if it were higher (“less favorable showing”) and due to chance.
The article states that the vaccine was “extremely effective” against the targeted HPV strains, but doesn’t note how many infections it prevented. It also does not mention what, if anything, is known about whether the vaccine does lower the risk of cervical cancer.
The article appropriately focuses on the target of the vaccine, the HPV virus, rather than on cervical cancer (many cases of which are linked to infection with the virus).
Individuals representing Merck are identified in the story, and an FDA briefing document is described as the source of some information. However, there is no comment from independent medical experts.
There is no mention of other methods for reducing the risk of HPV infection or cervical cancer.
The story makes it clear that the vaccine is not yet available and explains that FDA advisory panel recommendations are usually, but not always, followed.
The article notes that the vaccine under review would be the first of its kind.
Does not appear to have relied solely on a press release; however, the article quotes two Merck staffers.
Systematic, Criteria-Driven
Monday at #ADA2021, an infectious disease epidemiologist, a journalist, and a researcher shared perspectives on communication of risk in the era of COVID-19: http://ow.ly/ROfR30rMeE7 @AstleyCM @garyschwitzer @berthahidalgo @ADA_DiabetesPro
Shoutouts to @susan_bewley @drkevinknopf @MichaelBaum11 in this call for more than fawning coverage from press releases for these kinds of stories.
Also, linked history inside goes back 5 years just on Grail apparently trying to become Holy Grail. https://twitter.com/garyschwitzer/status/1408849696416841731
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