The Ministry of Health has emphasized that the Gardasil vaccine, used to prevent cervical cancer, does not cause infertility, refuting widespread misinformation circulating on social media. Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Mongolia, with the country ranking among the highest globally in terms of incidence rates. To address this, the ministry has launched a national vaccination program aimed at significantly reducing and ultimately eradicating the disease.
Beginning November 25, the quadrivalent vaccine, which protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV)—the primary cause of cervical cancer—will be administered nationwide to 11-year-old children. This initiative marks a critical step toward safeguarding future generations from the devastating effects of cervical cancer.
However, the rollout has been met with resistance, fueled by the rapid spread of misinformation on social media. A video shared has gone viral, amassing over 75,400 shares and 5.1 million views. In the video, the individual makes unsubstantiated claims that the vaccine contains chemicals leading to infertility, neurological diseases such as dementia and paralysis, as well as materials derived from aborted fetuses. Such baseless allegations have incited fear among parents, with some considering keeping their children out of school to avoid the vaccination program.
In response, the ministry issued a formal statement debunking these claims and reassuring the public of the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. Cervical cancer is a dire health crisis in Mongolia, with cases being reported daily and one person dying from the disease every two days. The vaccine, introduced into the national immunization schedule in October 2023 under the framework of the “Law on Immunization”, is a globally recognized preventive measure.
Currently used in over 150 countries, the vaccine is manufactured in the United States, certified by the World Health Organization (WHO), and procured for Mongolia through UNICEF. Administering the vaccine before sexual activity begins has been proven to protect against cervical cancer, genital warts, and certain anal cancers, offering a wide range of health benefits. WHO strongly recommends that countries actively vaccinate children against HPV. Globally, six HPV vaccines are available, all rigorously tested for safety and efficacy. Extensive studies confirm that these vaccines do not cause infertility. On the contrary, they provide critical protection against multiple diseases, preventing serious health consequences and saving lives.
The ministry has stressed that spreading unverified and unscientific claims about vaccines poses a grave public health risk. Such misinformation can result in the loss of lives and significant harm to the health of many. The authorities from the ministry stated, “This vaccine is a vital tool in our fight against cervical cancer”. “The dissemination of misinformation not only hinders our efforts but also endangers the health and future of our children. We urge the public to trust credible, scientific sources of information and to refrain from sharing unverified claims that instill fear and confusion,” continued by the ministry.
