Hpv

Updated on March 24, 2008
K.K. asks from Bedford, TX
54 answers

My neighbor just had her daughter vaccinated for the HPV virus which is crazy in my opinion. I was just wondering what all you other mama's thought about the HPV vaccine?

K.

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So What Happened?

I'm not concerned about the sexual part of the controversy. I'm worried about how long this vaccine has been around. I am not going to vaccinate my child with a vaccine that's only been around a few years. No one on earth can tell you the long term effects of this vaccine. That's scary to me.

Thanks mama's for all of your information but i think this vaccine needs a lot more years and a few less republicans for me to believe in it.

K.

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S.C.

answers from Houston on

Ugh, you have struck a tender spot here. I just don't understand why it is advertised as a cancer vaccine instead of what it is a venereal disease vaccine. In TX they have made it a mandatory vaccine which makes me even more upset. I wish parents would do a little research instead of just blindly following what a Dr says is best, especially since that changes so frequently. Sorry, thanks for letting me vent a little.

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J.K.

answers from Dallas on

I think the same way that it is crazy. There is not enough research done on it and it is way too soon to tell the long term effects of it.+

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K.L.

answers from Beaumont on

Wow! There's a lot of opinions out there on this subject. Me, I like to look up information myself. So, I did a Google search and found the Gardasil website.

Now to all you Mamas out there, this is coming from the vaccine manufacturer! Here's their website. http://www.gardasil.com/risk-for-hpv.html?WT.srch=1&W...

These are my favorite bits of information on that site:

According to the CDC, the only way you can totally protect yourself against HPV is to avoid any sexual activity that involves genital contact.
(so if you don't want cancer, don't have sex!!)

GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone and does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, so it is important to continue regular cervical cancer screenings.
(This will not keep you from getting cancer!!)

GARDASIL will not treat cervical cancer and genital warts and will not protect against diseases caused by other HPV types.
(You can still get cancer even if you get this shot!!)

Only a doctor or healthcare professional can decide if GARDASIL is right for you or your daughter.
(Not a politician that doesn't have to get the shot himself!!)

Ladies, use your heads. Don't jump on the band wagon without doing a lot of research first. You may end up sacrificing yourself and your daughter for something that turns out to be nothing.

Brightest blessings to you all and may your cervices be cancer/disease free.
K. L.

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R.M.

answers from Houston on

I have to be upfront and say that I am not pro-vaccine on any vaccine. My initial thoughts on the Hpv vaccine are this.....it protects against ONLY 3 of the more than 100 strains of Hpv. You vaccinate your daughters and not only does it NOT guarantee that that she won't get one of those 3 strains, but it does not protect AT ALL against the 97+ other strains. No vaccine can completely immunize anyone against a disease. If you believe that it will, you need to do some research. Second thought...what is in the vaccine? I haven't done any research on Hpv vaccine, but there are alot of harmful ingredients in every single vaccine that I have researched, so I would check it out if I were you. By the way, I am republican. What can I say? I can't find a party or candidate that agrees with ALL of my views!!! :)

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S.T.

answers from Houston on

I have four girls and will not get them the vaccine and am horrified that it is required in TX. For one thing, it is not a vaccination against cancer. It only MIGHT protect against A FEW strands of the virus which is ONLY sexually transmitted. HPV is not lethal by any means and only MIGHT SOMETIMES cause cancer. This is all in the information published by the manufacturer.

they did not test this in young girls, who are the ones getting it in TX. In other countries that are giving it, they are giving it to adults. I know several adult women who have been vaccinated and are surprised it's being given to children. Also, they do not know how it might affect the children long term other then to say the person has to keep being vaccinated because it does wear off.

My grandmother was given a medication when she was pregnant with my mom that they have since (decades later) discovered that the children (my mom included) had a high rate of reproductive problems and now also the GRANDCHILDREN (myself included) have a high rate of reproductive problems. My mom has a malformed cervix and had miscarriages, a still born baby at four months, and preterm labor with my sister and I. I have a malformed uterus and miscarriages and preterm labor at 26 weeks with my four living children.

If my grandmother had been told "You MIGHT get cancer if you don't have this medicine and even if you do have this medicine you might STILL get cancer but if you take this medicine there is a high probability that your children and grandchildren will have reproductive abnormalities" she would not have taken it!! We don't know how this vaccine (that MIGHT protect from SOME strains of a virus that MIGHT cause SOME cancer) may affect our children long term. It's not worth the risk.

S.

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T.P.

answers from Dallas on

I think getting your child(ren) vaccinated should be your personal choice. I was totally against it when our state entertained the idea of making it mandatory. When new drugs (or vaccines) come out it takes about 10 years for researchers to determine most side effects. Sometimes 10 years isn't even long enough. That is reason why you can see all of those lawyer ads on tv about class action suits because of the ill effects of certain drugs. Plus you have to keep in mind that the vaccine is not effective against all strains of HPV. If you think that this will be all your daughters need to protect them against HPV you are wrong! There are over 100 strains and the vaccine only protects you against 4. Here is more info from the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm)

I would think long and hard before making a decision. Just because they say there is a vaccine does not mean it is effective enough to be worth the risks of using it before the research is finished.

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E.G.

answers from Dallas on

I agree this is a very touchy subject. I think it is important for parents to make informed decisions. I am questioning the safety of the HPV vaccine because the young girls who were in the test study have not matured enough to go through the entire reproductive cycle. Bottom line we don't know the safety of the vaccine because those young girls haven't reproduced yet. The advertising is very scary. Of course we all want to prevent cancer, but at what risk. It is a vaccine not a guarantee.

Check out the National Vaccine Information Center website for the other side of the story on vaccines: www.nvic.org

The most important thing is to make an informed decision and not to rely on advertising for the information. Remember the purpose of advertising is to convince you to buy something or to convince you that you need something. Its purpose is to make money for the company doing the advertising. I am not jumping on this particular vaccine bandwagon.

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J.A.

answers from Amarillo on

I am totally with you, K.. My 14 yr old daughter will not be getting the vaccine. I also think it's too soon to know any long term side effects and also how long the vaccine will actually last. I didn't get the chicken pox vaccine for either one of my kids either, the research just doesn't show what will happen in the future to the kids who got the shot. Chicken Pox can kill an adult, they are very mild as a child. My kids both got exposed to the pox at an early age, it ran it's course, and I know they are protected now. THAT method is tried and true!

As for the HPV vaccination, my daughter can get it when and if she decides to...

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J.W.

answers from Dallas on

I was one of the many outraged parents when it was mandated. I am so proud of our house and senate for repealing that mandate. My concerens are that is a new vaccine that if you do the reasearch "may" prevent "some" cases of HPV in "Some" women. When mixed with other vaccinations it can be very devistating. As far as mandating it goes, I don't get to mandate that my daughter not have sex that us her decision shouldn't it be her choice to get weather or not she is vaccinated against an STD?

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S.H.

answers from Houston on

I agree: crazy, crazy....there is plenty of info on the web for you...could begin by doing a search on www.mercola.com Dr. Mercola has a lot to say on this topic. Also, check out Sherry Tenpenny.

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S.M.

answers from Austin on

OMG Dont get me started...lol The BIG thing they dont tell people is it ONLY protects against 3 of the 200 strains of HPV. I would NEVER get my child vaccinated with something that isnt likely to help.

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P.B.

answers from El Paso on

Just my opinion, but what message are we sending our daughters by giving them this vaccine at a young age? "Don't have sex. But since I don't believe you will listen, here is a vaccine that prevents an STD." The HPV vaccine is sold to everyone as an "anti-cancer" vaccine. It is NOT, it is a vaccine specifically to guard against an STD. It just so happens that this STD is associated with an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. That does not mean that every person who has a HPV vaccine developes cervical cancer and it does not mean that if you get the vaccine you will not ever get cervical cancer. Is it a good idea to get the vaccine if you are a sexually active teenager? Probably. Is it a good idea to give it to our 8,10, 12 year old daughters? My answer is NO!!! They can be educated about it from us and then they can decide whether or not to get the vaccine when they are old enough to decide to have sex or not. Whatever happened to personal responsibility?

Sorry for the rant! I am just so angry at the media campaign to get all girls vaccinated with this.

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S.L.

answers from Dallas on

I just want to say one thing about this vaccine... No Drug Company is going to test a vaccine on my child, PERIOD!!!!!!

By the way, it is still Thursday, January 17, 2008 here at 9:40 pm when I am responding to this

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E.C.

answers from Dallas on

I think it is to early for parents to go around and start giving their daughters a shot in which they don't know what the long term effects will be.
I recently had precancerous cells on my cervix removed due to HPV. The doctor told me that if my pap's keep coming back clean, that I could have the shot... I am not sure that I want it, and I will most certainly NOT get it for my daughter yet.

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K.W.

answers from Dallas on

Nope!!!!
I was ready to pull my daughter out of school because Rick Perry was trying to make it mandatory here in Texas. How long did they test Birth Control Pills? Years! So why all of a sudden we just jump on the band wagon because Mr. Perry (or whoever) says so? We don't have any ideal what kind of long term affects this has. I don't know about ya'all but I would like Grandkids. :) Not something I going to jump right in and do without some kind of proof its ok (for most people)Your messing with a child's future and I would hath to have that on my Conscience. Just my thoughts
K.

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R.L.

answers from Houston on

Until they know what the long term side effects are on the HPV shot, my daughter will not be getting. It sounds good but no one has said anything about long term effects.

Good luck,
R.

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B.P.

answers from Houston on

As a mother of 4 girls, I must say that this vaccine SCARES me badly. The risk could be HUGE. You just don't know because it is to new. Come on, what happened to teaching abstenance? I know that is an unpopular teaching in this day and age but that is how I have raised my kids. Yes, it has worked, I have 4 grown children and 3 at home. Good luck in what ever decision you make. I am sure you will get as many different answers as you get responses. That is just my 3 cents worth.

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T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I was involved in a focus group regarding advertising for this vaccine about a year or so ago. We were given a lot of details for the vaccine and all the pros. Of course, you don't hear all the cons.

Yes, my pedi recommends it but I will not vaccinate my 13 yr old daughter until further studies are done. Our choice not to vaccinate has nothing to do with the sex issue. I am not one to jump on a band wagon to vaccinate for anything and everything as soon as it is available. I prefer to research things myself and make a decision. I hope my daughter will make good choices regarding her sexuality but I am also realistic.

I have an open relationship with my daughter. I believe this is her choice as well. It is HER body. We will continue to revisit the information regarding the vaccine and make a decision based on what we learn.

I am sure I will get a lot of flack for my opinion but I am used it.

Susan

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T.

answers from Dallas on

I think it's a great idea. Why wouldn't you try to protect your girls from a disease??? I had HPV in my late teens/early 20s and it was terrible. I will most certainly have my girls vaccinated when the time comes. I think it's the responsible thing to do as a parent.

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L.F.

answers from Austin on

Unfortunately, I think this is mandated now - which seems a little gestapo. HOwever, I think this is great opportunity as males show no syptoms except maybe warts (that don't seem to bother them) but it is sooo communicable in females. Usually leading to cervical cancer. So what's better? A little shot now to prevent cancer?

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A.G.

answers from Dallas on

I have had my daughter who is 15 vaccinated and plan to have my other daughters and son. (when they are older) My sister and Aunt have had cervical cancer and I would like to prevent it from them. I have discussed it with 3 different doctors and made the choice based on our situation. It might not be for your girls and that's okay. Several Obgyn's have also had their son's vaccinated to prevent them from ever giving it to anyone.

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S.A.

answers from Dallas on

Being that doctors are not 100% sure how the disease is spread, I think vacination is very plausible. The problem with Papaloma virus is that it IS A VIRUS and can be contracted in other ways than just sexual. Birds get the papoloma virus quite frequently from just being around eachother and not mating, however, it can be deadly to them. Many doctors are finding instances of women diagnosed with HPV who are quite older and haven't been sexually active for many years. I am not sure how I feel about vaccinations in general, but if this one really works, the child's doctor recommends it, and you have done the research, then I might be more apt to have my daughter vaccinated.

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A.J.

answers from Dallas on

I think its a great idea. a lot of moms think (my child isnt sexually active... but how many of you (including me) had sex before you should have and your parents were clueless???

plus, i was date raped when I was 17... the vaccine is good because your friend, sister, daughter, you... God forbid, could be raped or a condom could break or a young girl like so many do could make a bad choice to have sex before she is ready... why should she not get a vaccine that could prevent cancer just because a mom says... my daughter won't...
my 2 cents

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A.M.

answers from Amarillo on

I myself want my girls to get the vaccine. I have had several friends have Hpv and my best friend had to have many many cervical scraps done because of the Hpv and I know what she went through in getting that done and I don't ever want my girls to go through that! I think it's a good idea to have the vaccine!! I am by the way a mother of 3 daughters!

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M.S.

answers from Dallas on

This vaccine like any vaccine is to help and prevent what could be fatal or make a child/teenager very sick. If you have vaccinated your children since birth I don't think you should stop now. It does seem like a harder decision than the other's BUT it could be something you might regret later. You never know.

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C.S.

answers from St. Louis on

Vaccines are something I am very concerned about because I am not sure they are as safe, effective or neceaasry as the politicians of healthcare would have us to believe. I especially have concerns about this vaccine as it gives people the impression that it will protect their daughters from cervical cancer. It may but if and only if they come in contact with one of the 4 strains of HPV the vaccine covers. Here is a press release from Mothering magazine. They actually publish nonbiased information and allow you to make the decision. If you go to the main page and search HPV vaccine, you can find more articles. You may be surprised at what the drug company and the politicians and pediatricians that endorse the vaccine aren't telling you. http://www.mothering.com/newsletter/pressrelease-may07.html
I have only have boys so far, so for now it isn't a decision I have to make, but I have encouraged my sister to keep my niece from getting this vaccine. If she were my daughter, I would NOT do it! Hope it helps.

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P.A.

answers from Houston on

Aside from all the moral, legal, political issues related to this vaccine for ME it boils down to...if it prevents my daughter from getting ANY form of cancer how is that bad? I wonder what people thought about the small pox, chicken pox,flu etc. vaccines when they came out...did they think it was crazy?

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B.A.

answers from Houston on

Well, I do not have a daughter but having been faced with HPV and resulting cancer...I would have my daughter vaccinated. I understand your concern about it being new but I think it's such a small risk for such a large benefit. We put vaccines in our kids now for diseases that aren't even prevelant in our culture. It makes sense to give them a vaccine for something they will probably face in their lifetime. I would never want my daughter to have to hear a doctor say, "It may be too far gone so there is a possibility that you could wake up from surgery with no reproductive organs"...that's what I heard. Thank the Lord that they were able to get all of it and I was able to have our second child but it's very traumatic to hear a doc say that!! I couldn't live with myself if I could have prevented my daughter from going through that and didn't. Anyway, that's my opinion...for what it's worth!

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A.L.

answers from Dallas on

One of my nieces have it and the dr did not recommend the shot. He told her to make sure she has her annual. I do not want my daughter to have the shot because of the side effects.

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W.P.

answers from Houston on

Dear K.:
Is it one shot for life or does it have to be renewed? If it is only good for a few years, the age of the daughter plays a role. Otherwise I'd say go for it. As far as I know, it will prevent HPV if you are not infected yet, but once you are it's too late. Would you rather wait until after her first encounter and risk that she met a carrier?

Regards,
W.

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M.E.

answers from Houston on

My grandmother died of ovarian cancer when my father was 19 years old. It was very traumatic. Cancer runs rampant on both sides of the family. Why wouldn't I want to protect my daughther? It's a vaccine, not an invitation to be inappropriate. I wish I had received it and was protected!

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A.D.

answers from Houston on

ANYTHING we can do to protect our girls from a virus she could be exposed to once she becomes sexually active is a good thing.

As mom's we must come to the reality that our children will indeed ONE DAY become sexually active. It is a normal part of being a human being.

Of course, its hard to imagine our babies as women, but they will be grow up and we should prepare and protect them for adulthood.

I congratulate that mother for thinking ahead. It is a smart thing to do.

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J.P.

answers from Wichita Falls on

Men carry hpv too. Someday, down the road this girl could get married to a carrier so why not be protected? If left unprotected she would have to deal with hpv and everything that comes with it. This includeds extra paps to make sure there isn't any cancer cells and so on. I say protect your daughters! In an ideal world these kids will not have sex until marriage, unfortunately this isn't usually the situation. The vaccine isn't a license to have unprotected sex with whomever, but when they do (either now or later) they are protected.

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M.B.

answers from Houston on

K.,
I work for a large group of Ob/Gyn's and it is recommended that teenage girls get vaccinated for HPV. HPV is a VIRUS that is transmitted very easily, while we are not encouring our children to have sexual contact (in any form) it is important that they receive this vaccine. HPV can be transmitted in MANY ways and it is for their protection. I encourage you to read up on HPV.
www.swobgyn.com
There are links on this website with information. It is Safer for your daughter to get the HPV Vaccine than to end up w/HPV which can turn into Cancer.

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S.S.

answers from Houston on

I think this vaccine is a responsible decision for a parent to make for their child. It seems like an opportunity to wipe out a disease. I do not believe in irresponsible sex and I do believe that parents should teach their children the consequences of such actions. I know several women who have been affected by this disease who contracted it when they were in committed relationships. Usually from a person who was unaware they had it.

I would add that I think parents should strongly reinforce their beliefs on premarital sex and the possible consequences of sex before geting their daughter vaccinated. There are so many more negative consequences that can affect a woman forever if she is not responsible. My hope is that this vaccine is used for the right purpose and not as a method for parents to wipe their hands of the responsibility of teaching their kids appropriate behavior.

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T.C.

answers from Houston on

My daughter will be 14 this summer. I will NOT have my daughter vacc. because I dont think Guardasil has been out long enough to see any long term side effects.

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L.H.

answers from Dallas on

I think the whole reason this thing is controversial because it involves sex and teenagers. If this was a vaccine that could prevent breast cancer or colon cancer it would be hailed as a miracle. Put the political and philosophical opinions aside and recognize this for what it is--a vaccine that can prevent a certain kind of cancer. In that case, my question is why would someone NOT do it???

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L.C.

answers from Dallas on

I am ADAMANTLY against the state forcing a parent to have it done. But that said, after my research is now down, my 4 daughters will be getting these shots. I have HPV. I pray my daughters do not have to go thru this. I pray I do not get cervical cancer, since I have one of the cancer strains. I have to get my pap every 6 months and have had several culposcopies, not to mention the wonderful warts I get. I got this from my (now ex) husband because I was a virgin when we married and he wasn't. Some mistakes you just never finish paying for.

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M.L.

answers from Houston on

I myself would absolutely have my daughter get the vaccine if I had one. I have the virus and wish that I could've had the vaccine years ago to prevent me from getting it.

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T.E.

answers from Houston on

I had my daughter vaccinated, She is 11. My niece was vaccinated ,too. She is 14.
It can prevent cervical cancer if exposed to the HPV virus. If it is covered by ins, I would do it.
My daughter is too young to be interested in sex, but one day she will be and if she were to be exposed to hpv I would be very glad she got the vaccine.
The way I think about it ,if there was a vaccine for breast cancer would you get it for yourself or your daughter? I would.
Please talk to your Dr. about it.
Also, I don't buy all the hype about that if your kid gets the shot they think that why will have a "free pass" to be promiscous. That falls on the parents shoulders.(that'smy opinion anyway.)
Good luck

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K.V.

answers from Dallas on

I recommend getting the HPV vaccination. What do you have to lose? I had my 3 girls vaccinated and I am glad I did.

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M.W.

answers from Houston on

I think the vaccine is good idea but not until later, I know there are kids who are sexually active at 12 but hopefully not that many. My biggest complaints are that girls are the only targets for the vaccine or testing. HPV has been known to cause penile cancers and a large portion of throat cancers. It is a terrible virus and the development of the vaccine is probably a good thing. I personally think the solution would be if everyone would stop having so many partners and stick to just one, but even I am guilty of not doing that.

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M.P.

answers from Dallas on

Well, I think that it's a very touchy subject for a lot of people. Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with it, as long as they don't get the shot when they're like 12. Why not get your daughter a shot that can help prevent cervical cancer? I've gotten the shot, and it's no big deal.

You just have to have an open relationship with your daughter where you explain to her that just because she's gotten this shot, that doesn't make it okay to go out and have sex.

I have 2 friends who got HPV, and I know what kind of effect it can have on you. Just my opinion.

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A.O.

answers from Sherman on

If we can protect our daughters from CANCER, why the heck wouldn't we!!!! Just because she gets the vaccine doesn't give her an automatic "safe sex" card. All she must know is that she is getting a regular vaccine. I'm sure you don't question getting the vaccines that protect against flu, chicken pox, etc...this is no different!

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M.F.

answers from Dallas on

K.,
I am sure you will probably recieve a million responses about this, considering all the media attention on it, and the fact that it is a VERY sensitve subject. I am a pedi nurse, and we recommend parents do the shot, and treat it like its a regular shot. Your daughters could, and hopefully will remain virgins until marriage, or when they really feel its right. However, even if that guy is wonderful, they wont really know if he has done the same, and since HPV shows no symptoms in males, they never know. Its not a vaccine promoting sexual behavior in our youth, its protecting them from possible infertility, and cancer. You have to be the one to make the decsion, try not to let your emotions drive your decision on wheather or not to vaccinate, think of their future.

Hope this helps,
M.

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J.F.

answers from Austin on

If you truly love your girls then I would encourage you to have them vaccinated. Getting them vaccinated for HPV is not like telling them to go out and become sexually active. It is protecting them from cervical cancer, which is caused by HPV. Cervical cancer is a deadly disease. If this vaccine were available to me when I was younger, I would have been thrilled. HPV is a very common STD and protecting yourself against it is a very wise decision, even for girls who do not plan on becoming sexually active for many years to come.
I have a wonderful eighteen month old son. If I had a daughter, I would definitely get her vaccinated for HPV when she was old enough.

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C.H.

answers from Houston on

I believe that it is a good thing. I had both my daughters vaccinated on the urging of their doctor, but I was going to do it anyway. You never know what can happen to your children, good or bad, and you can't control every situation they may find themselves in. Sadly, our family knows this all too well. My older daughter has already been a victim to a monster and I can't help but think...if she'd been older and he'd done more or gone further, she could have gotten a disease from him. This is scary beyond words and I hope none of you have to face this, but it only remonds me of how little you can control and protect them, especially as they get older and more independant. We also preach abstinence till marriage and don't allow dating until 16, but you just never know.
Also, being a carrier for HPV myself for 9 years now(my husband got it from the ex and did not know he had it until I was diagnosed), I know how it can affect your reproductive system and your chances for cancer go up exponentially, especially if your family already has cancer in it, even if it's not cervical cancer. Cancer is usually named for where it shows up first, not the strain(except in certain cases), so any family history of cancer can increase your chances of cancer of any type. Any thing I can do to prevent my children from getting even one type of cancer is all I need to say yes.
I know it's hard to trust something new, but medicine has come a long way since our grandmother's time and will go a lot futher by the time we are grandmothers. But I bet the people who were around for penicillan, small pox vaccine, chicken pox and polio vaccines thought the same as some of you. But look at the good it has done. Medicine can only progress if we trust it enought to give it a chance to work. If this is just the start to finding ways to erradicate cancer like we did polio and small pox, then we have to have faith that, in the long run, it's all for the best and the betterment of our childrens' futures.

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C.S.

answers from Dallas on

I think it's a great advance and if anything in this world saves our daughter's grief down the road, then let's have it! BUT...It's not the choice of government and should never be. We are not herds of cattle.
C. S.

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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

After hearing all the pros from my daughter's pedi yesterday, I decided to have my 11 year old vaccinated. There are so many more pros than just this shot being about sexually transmitted diseases. My daughter gave me a handout to read out it. I say do more research. It is a series of three shots given two months apart. Good Luck

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S.G.

answers from Houston on

I can't believe you think it's crazy... If you could give your child one more hope for not getting cervical cancer wouldn't you? One more chance to live until she's 100, one more chance to make beautiful babies. I didn't get my daughter the vaccine so that she could have sex. I got it for her so that she might remain cancer free.

My cousin was recently married. She has only ever been with her husband. And because he was with someone else, she might never be able to reproduce. That was one of her main goals in life and because he didn't know he had it, she will never be able to have children of her own.

I strongly suggest you look into having your four daughters vaccinated. Unless you don't want grandchildren or to see them grow old.

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L.H.

answers from Dallas on

As a woman who has never had HPV or any STD, but did have cervical cancer (10 years cancer free next month WooHoo!!), I do recommend the vaccine. I have heard so many parents express outrage about the vaccine and having it gives their daughter permission to have sex. That is absolutely ridiculous. The facts are that teens ARE having sex whether we like it or not. Teens from the "BEST" of families ARE having sex. Teens are therefore at potential risk for contracting HPV (or some other STD). HPV is responsible for MANY, MANY cases of cervical cancer. Yes, the HPV vaccine does NOT protect against all strains of cervical cancer, but it does lower the risk by eliminating a possible (and known) cause.

Okay, this is a new vaccine (at least it is new to us), but how many years have they been working on this. I am sure that they have done countless tests. We have to look at this vaccine as what it is - a vaccine. This is not a permission slip to go out and have sex - for teen or anyone else. It is not the government's aim to get all the teenagers out there to run amok and have sex. That is just crazy. What is is, in essence, is a vaccine against some strains of cervical cancer by means of preventing another disease. I am sure that there were many "Doubting Thomases" when the vaccine for measles, small pox, mumps, polio, etc. came out as well. If you have never seen what polio can do to a person, email me, I will tell you about my Aunt Mabel. Like another responder said, if this were a vaccine against breast cancer we wouldn't have a problem with it. I personally think that the whole "permission to have sex" issue in this is parents looking for a scape-goat for when/if their child does become sexually active. (Yes, I expect to hear it about that statement. Go ahead prove me wrong.) People need to keep in mind that this is a PREVENTATIVE measure to protect one's health. It is a DISEASE blocker and NOT a MORALS blocker. As a cancer survivor who has lost most of her family to cancer in one form or another, I am all for anything that prevents any cancers. My daughter will absolutely have the HPV vaccine. That way, if she strays from the morals I have and will teach along the way (she is only 2 years old now) and does have pre-marital sex (or even waits until she is married, but he hasn't), at least I know that she will be protected from some strains of cancer.

Another thing I feel needs mentioning. This vaccine is just a springboard. In the quest to discover a cure all cancers, they have found a way to prevent certain cancers. I think that is absolutely fantastic and I am thrilled about the possibilties this may bring. I would love it if our great-great grandchildren have no clue what cancer is.

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J.H.

answers from San Antonio on

You didn't say how old your daughter was. The only reason to get the HPV vaccine is if your daughter is SEXUALLY ACTIVE. If she is then yes, she definitely needs it. But if she's 7 or 8, then no, according to my gynecologist.

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K.R.

answers from Houston on

I have already vaccinated my 13 year old daughter. The vaccine talks a while to build to its full effect, plus it is spread over 6 months. My daughter thinks boys are gross now but what about when she is 20? I thihk it is imperative to get it now. Even if SHE waits until she is married, who is to say that her future husband will?

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C.O.

answers from Dallas on

Absolutely, I'd get my daughter vaccinated. Why are you opposed to something that is so good for public health? Since the virus is so prevalent in the population and can have such harm, I think the arguments that it isn't spread by casual contact and has a "moral" component (i.e., that parents should promote abstinence and then not vaccinate) aren't convincing reasons not to vaccinate. Also, I just had an abnormal pap smear and had to worry myself about cervical cancer. Let's keep our daughters from that if we can.

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