Sridhar Vembu took to X (formerly Twitter) to express scepticism over administering the HPV vaccine to young girls. To substantiate his stance, he even listed three-point “facts” stating that since HPV is sexually transmitted, vaccinating young girls doesn’t make sense to him. He acknowledged that his opinion on the vaccine may harm his business or dent his image, but he, nonetheless, felt compelled to share his views. His “don’t let doctors who think I am science-illiterate shout this down” met with a lot of criticism online.
Vembu’s views on the HPV vaccine
Before we look at the criticism, let us see what Vembu wrote on his social media post.
Vembu shared a news report from Bihar claiming that 30–35 female students fainted after receiving the HPV vaccine. He used the incident to question the widespread rollout of HPV vaccination programs for young girls across India.
In the next few lines, he went on to state some facts: “1) HPV is sexually transmitted. It does not transmit via regular contact or even hugging. 2) We are giving it to very young girls in India. 3) News from Tamil Nadu just 3 days ago: ‘Tamil Nadu Paves the Way for a Cancer-Free Future With Free HPV Vaccines’.”
He then said that the issue was not political and urged people not to turn it into one. The 57-year-old went on to say that politicians are supporting the vaccination as opposing it would be political suicide, given the pro-vaccine public sentiment.
“Most states in India are doing it, and our political leaders across the spectrum have been told that ever more vaccine shots are in the best interest of Indians. I do not blame the politicians because when someone like me can be shouted down so vocally, it would be political suicide for a politician (of any party) to talk about, particularly when the mainstream consensus is so strongly in favour of ever more vaccine shots,” he continued.
Vembu, who said that he doesn’t have any hidden agenda, reiterated, “I will state what I believe again: we are giving way too many vaccines to young children. This does NOT mean we should stop all vaccines. So let the critics not twist my words.”
He urged people not to let doctors shout his views down: “Do not let the doctors who think I am science-illiterate shout this down. These voices must be heard.”
Why HPV vaccine work best when administered early?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the HPV vaccine can be administered as early as age nine and is recommended for children aged 11 to 12 years. The agency advises that anyone who was not vaccinated earlier should receive the vaccine by the age of 26, as it is not recommended beyond that age. This is because older individuals are less likely to benefit from the vaccine, having possibly already been exposed to HPV.
For adults aged 27 to 45, vaccination may be considered after consulting with a healthcare provider.
“At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection. People who are in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship are not likely to get a new HPV infection,” the CDC notes on its website.
The agency further recommends that individuals receive two doses of the HPV vaccine before their 15th birthday.
‘Billionaire arrogance is the bane of this world’: Social media users
Coming to the backlash, many argued that billionaires often mistake wealth and a large social media following for “expertise” on every subject.
“Billionaire arrogance is the bane of this world,” one entrepreneur from Chennai said, adding, “Every major country has a few of these men who think having made a lot of money and having millions of followers makes them an expert on everything.”
The entrepreneur, who goes by Ram online, added that Vembu’s mention of sexual transmission and young age is “sick” and that it takes time to push through progressive policies.
“If only he had any idea how much hard work it takes to push through progressive policies in a regressive society. And look at the dog whistle when he mentions sexual transmission and young age. Sick,” he went on to say.
Ram also said that he takes all of this “extremely personally” and that he would give HPV vaccines to his daughters at the “medically appropriate age”, knowing that “sexual freedom is their business”.
“None of us needs ill-informed advice, especially someone like him,” he went on to say.
Another urged him not to present “partial facts” to suit his narrative. “We should talk facts, but talk about them in their entirety. Partial facts, as presented by you to suit your narrative, aren’t great,” he said.
The engineer, Shantanu Goel, went on to present some more “facts”. “1) HPV does NOT have a cure. If one does contract it, that’s it for them. What is your alternative to the vaccine for this? 2) HPV vaccine dosage ideal term is before any exposure to sexual activity/potentially the virus. Ages 9 to 14 are supposed to be the best. 3) Will the kids not grow up and indulge in sexual activity? Many will even experiment and explore before they are even adults. Culture is not going to stop or save them.”
He opined that the open discussion should exist, but around the “vaccine efficacy”. Goel urged Vembu not to “twist everything to suit your generalised anti-vaccine narrative”.
Dr V Raja Shekhar Reddy also jumped on the bandwagon and said, “No one is shouting down on rethinking the number of vaccinations. It is about a person with considerable influence ( that is, you) giving ammunition to the anti-vaccine brigade who post such that common people doubt even the essential vaccines…. and go on bashing doctors…. It certainly makes one feel as if there is an agenda….”
