GARDASIL: Marketing HPV Vaccine

"The vaccine manufacturer (Merck) also provided educational grants to professional medical associations (PMAs) concerned with adolescent and women's health and oncology. The funding encouraged many PMAs to create educational programs and product-specific speakers' bureaus to promote vaccine use. However, much of the material did not address the full complexity of the issues surrounding the vaccine and did not provide balanced recommendations on risks and benefits. As important and appropriate as it is for PMAs to advocate for vaccination as a public good, their recommendations must be consistent with appropriate and cost-effective use."

Sheila M. Rothman, Phd; David J. Rothman, Phd

Implications for Adolescent Health and Medical Professionalism

JAMA. 2009;302(7):781-786.