what I don't get is that why do 6th & 7th graders have to get the HPV shots. I mean really why are middleschoolers even having sex??? My two 5th grade girls are freaking out and they have been asking that question to me over and over again, every time they see it on the news.
2007-02-07 00:59:11 · 4 answers · asked by Trey_man 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
The idea is to get the vaccine BEFORE they are even sexually active.HPV can be spread through a variety of activities, not just vaginal intercourse. It is the same idea as getting a Hepatitis vaccine or a tetanus vaccine. You want the vaccine BEFORE you step on a nail or share a razor with someone.
Food for thought about sexual activity and adolescents.. have you not been on the adolescent site here? How many, "I'm 13-15 and my bf is 18" do you see each week?? Yes, some middle schoolers are having sex, and some are not. Just like in high school. In some countries girls middle school age are getting married. I think that you all are due for a talk about this if it is "freaking them out."
Just tell your daughters that getting the vaccine does not mean that they are now marked as sexually active. It just means that they won't get cervical cancer from this virus if by some chance in the future they are exposed. Just like they won't get tetanus or hepatitis or whatever other vaccines that they have recieved. There is no reason for them to "freak out" over such a thing!
2007-02-07 01:34:32 · answer #1 · answered by dedum 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Studies done before the HPV shots have been available for use were done on girls aged 9-26. According to the studies, It is during this time that immunity or antibody development against the HPV is highest and long lasting (although they may need boosters several years after the shots). Also, it is better to have the immunity against HPV before our girls become sexually active.
2007-02-07 09:56:34 · answer #2 · answered by perpie_pan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The people who produce the vaccine recommend girls to get it BEFORE they become sexually active. Unfortunately, teenage girls are having sex at a very young age these days, so most doctors recommend girls to get it at age 11 or so. If parents would sit down with their kids and teach them about sex, pregnancy, and STD's, we most likely wouldn't have such an epidemic of teenage pregnancy and young kids coming up with AIDS and STD's.
2007-02-07 09:20:20 · answer #3 · answered by j.f. 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not about having sex. It's about preventing the virus that can cause cervical cancer. My 10 yr old has had the shots. For her, and us, it is all about cancer prevention.
My daughter watched her little brother fight and win the battle with kidney cancer and does not want to have to battle cancer herself. If we can try and eliminate one kind all the better for her and us!
2007-02-07 09:04:14 · answer #4 · answered by tessasmomy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋