Hi - I'm almost 16 and I'm wondering if I should get the new vaccine. I know for sure that I won't be having sex until marriage, so what's the point of getting the vaccine now? Will the vaccine be as effective if I wait?
2007-01-20 19:20:46 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
Now is a good time to get this vaccine, even if you aren't currently sexually active. This vaccine will confer protection to you when you do decide to be sexually active.
As a side note, I believe the vaccine was only studied in women up to a maximum age of 26, so there aren't current guidelines about giving the vaccine to those over 26. So, while you have some time to wait for that... you might as well get it now! It certainly will not hurt.
2007-01-20 19:33:00 · answer #1 · answered by r alexander 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would still get the vaccine. Because it is a new vaccine the length of protection is not yet known. They estimate at least five years. (most vaccines last at least 10 years) After this you can get a booster. The age group for administration of the vaccine is basically from puberty to 26. so it is probably best to start now whilst you are in this age group and then you will be eligible for the booster later. It works best being administered to someone not sexually active yet (as you are less likely to already be infected with HPV). You will be given 3 doses over 6 months. Even if the only person you ever have sex with is your husband you are still at risk of cervical cancer (HPV can cause cervical cancer). Remember to have pap smears every 2 years as well as the HPV vaccine only covers certain strains of the virus. The other thing (and sorry if I'm wrong) but i think the Federal government is funding all 16 year old vaccinations. Take advantage of this because as soon as you are out of this age group it will cost heaps to get the vaccination. You never know when you may meet your future husband...
2007-01-20 19:51:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm all about getting girls that young to get the vaccine. They've said girls as young as 9 should get it so I'd imagine it would stay with you for quite some time.
When I was younger I always thought I would wait to have sex longer than I actually did, so things change, and if the availability to get the vaccine is there now, get it. It definately couldn't hurt. HPV is very widespread and we need to slow it down.
2007-01-20 19:33:05 · answer #3 · answered by * Terri * 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right, what's the point if you are going to save yourself? Before you get vaccinated, look at this site http://www.medalerts.org/vaersdb/findfield.php?LOWAGE=&HIGHAGE=&SEX=&STATE=&PRIOR_VAX=&VAX_DATE_LOW=&VAX_DATE_HIGH=&CUR_ILL=&VAX=HPV4&VAXDOSE=&VAXMAN=&VAXROUTE=&VAXLOT=&VAXSITE=&ONSET_DATE_LOW=&ONSET_DATE_HIGH=&REPORT_DATE_LOW=&REPORT_DATE_HIGH=&SYMPTOMS=&HISTORY=&L_THREAT=&ER_VISIT=&DIED=&HOSPITAL=&DEATH_DATE_LOW=&DEATH_DATE_HIGH=&X_STAY=&RECOVD=&LAB_DATA=&DISABLE=&OTHER_MEDS=&V_ADMINBY=&V_FUNDBY=&PAGENO=1&PERPAGE=10this is where vaccine reactions to Gardasil were reported, scroll around a bit, it's hard to read but some women are passing out, getting rashes, a bunch of different reactions.
It's only for a few strains of HPV, it doesn't fully protect you against all strains. Plus no vaccine is 100% effective. Just be sure to inform yourself a lot before you consider a new vaccine. The company that made this also made the drug "viox" which was pulled from the market after people died.
2007-01-21 13:04:15 · answer #4 · answered by me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the HPV vaccine will stay with you for the length of your life.
I accept your feelings on sex but who knows how things may change in the future.
the HPV vaccine also protects from some of the colorectal cancers
2007-01-20 19:40:01 · answer #5 · answered by mandy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋