Do you think the HPV vaccination should be a choice?

Question

Many states are trying make this vaccination mandatory for girls under 17. The vaccination may reduce the chances of cervical cancer from a sexually transmitted virus. But should it be the choice of the parents rather than the state? What about the girls choice? I'd like to hear serious opinions. Heres a recent article about one state that is trying.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070326/ap_on_he_me/cancer_vaccine_va

Keep in mind that this vaccination is not proven to work with every female. There has been studies done that show a reduction in chances of cervical cancer that is "CAUSED BY A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED VIRUS".. What if these young girls choose not to have unprotected sex and still have to be exposed to a drug that we don't know much about.

Answer 1

I believe it should be a choice. My main concern about this vaccine is that there hasn't been enough studies or time to find out what the long term side affects might be. Sure it might keep someone from having cervical cancer but what if it causes another kind of cancer or disease? I wouldn't want my daughter to have one until more time was spent researching the results.

Answer 2

I'm not convinced that this vaccine should even be on the market at all right now. There is so much more research needed. Vaccinating only a small portion of the population is likely to cause mutations of the existing strains of HPV which would render the vaccine ineffective. Also, the clinical trials are not yet complete for males, so we don't even know whether vaccinating them is an option. Please read what I posted in response to a similar question:

This vaccine should not be made mandatory *at this time.* The current vaccine falls short in effectiveness for several reasons:

1.There are over 200 strains of the HPV virus. The vaccine works against 4 of them.
2.Those 4 strains are associated with 70% of cervical cancer cases. Would you evaluate birth control as effective if it worked only 70% of the time? I think not.
When they can show it effectiveness 95% of the time, I will reconsider using it.
3.HPV is a VIRUS. Viruses mutate very rapidly. Anyone with a basic education in the biological sciences will tell you that the use of this vaccine is more likely to create mutations (perhaps more virulent than their predecessors) than it is to prevent disease.
4.Administering the vaccine only to females does not limit the transmission of it. Males are still carriers, and most males who carry HPV have NO SYMPTOMS, so the potential exists for them to pass on the virus (or some mutation of it) to numerous partners without even knowing it. Mandating a vaccine to only half the population is absurd. When the trials on males are completed and the vaccine comes to market, will the states be pushing as vigorously to mandate it for them? I tend to doubt it, since cervical cancer is a non-issue for the guys. You really have to be able to see the big picture to understand why it is imperative to vaccinate males against HPV. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MALE TRANSMISSION CANNOT BE OVERSTATED. Any attempt to control the virus without male vaccination will be ineffective.

I also want to point out that the manufacturer of Guardasil, MERCK, is recovering from a huge blitz of negative publicity regarding one of their other products, so this campaign is in their best interests to show the public a more positive image. And they are more than happy to take your money as you buy into their campaign.

So, while I am adamantly against making the vaccine mandatory right now, I see problems associated with choice as well. My proposed solution is to take it off the market until ALL the trials are complete and an effective vaccination plan can be implemented. Until then, safe sex and good communication between consenting partners is the key to controlling the spread of this virus.

Answer 3

I absolutely think this vaccination should be a personal choice. In fact I think all vaccinations should be voluntary.

However there are a number of people out there that think that government should legislate what are, fundamentally, matters of personal safety. While it can be argued that polio, measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations are for the good of the masses (because these are highly contagious) HPV requires certain behavior in order to be exposed, behavior that is, usually, made by choice.

I personally see this as another way that "big brother" attempts to take away small portions of personal liberty in exchange for a supposed "freedom" or protection. If I had a daughter I would not concede to her receiving this vaccination.

Answer 4

a great form of disadvantages contain this vaccine, feasible side outcomes, etc. There have not been sufficient long term examine finished on it in any respect. i do no longer think that somebody ought to ever be compelled to take an vaccine, it is going to likely be a parental determination. My daughter is 14 and if she chooses to have it i could be useful that yet while she needs to attend until later in her existence, so be it. coverage would not cover this vaccine. it particularly is performed in 3 doses months aside and can value over $3 hundred! it particularly is incorrect for everyone to make this a regulation or require it of our little ones. i be attentive to they're attempting to make it required in Texas suitable now and a great form of human beings are battling it.

Answer 5

Yes, I think it should be optional rather than state mandated. I have an eleven year old daughter and I am not going to have her vaccinated. First of all, she is not having sex at this time. Secondly, the vaccine is untested and there is no information suggesting possible negative affects. I think it's wonderful that they are making strides in womens' health, but I cannot in good conscience put my daughter at risk from an unknown vaccine.

Answer 6

First, the parents should not make this choice. Most of them are going to think that this vaccine will give the girls all a green light to go have sex; they won't even think about the fact that it could save their daughter's life in the long run. So, most parents will say NO. If it is left up to the girls, their parents might use their authority or threats to force the girls to say no to the vaccine. Fear of needles may also contribute to the decision. Ultimately, this vaccine is just like the MMR vaccines we all have to get growing up. If given at an early age, it should be up to the state. However, if given at an age when a young person is mature enough to make an informed decision, it should be up to the young woman.

Besides, if it is mandatory, insurance will pay for it! Hello!

Answer 7

Religious ignorance is no excuse to even consider placing children in harms way. Vaccinating someone from "DEATH" should always be priority over a minorities concerns about morality.

Next you will tell me that getting a flu shot encourages youth to open mouth kiss each other without fear. All we need now is a shot to protect against stupid people, and humanity is set.

EDIT: To sheebob below this, if people listened to ideas like that, there would still be children dying from polio, mumps, measels, etc. There are certain times in history were humanity needs to be protected from itself, this is one of those times. If you had a daughter, and she was raped by a man carrying a slew of STD's, would you feel better knowing she was safe from getting cancer because of this incident, or would you feel better knowing that you had a choice?

Think hard on that one, there is only one answer.

Answer 8

50% (its higher now) of college aged girls now have or have had HPV


http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_FAQ_HPV_Vaccines.asp

I work in the medical industry (not a doc, an accountant for a group of docs) and I am not sure most people (especially women) know how many women and girls have HPV and the devastation it reeks inside the body - my own best friend had to have a hysterectomy at the age of 25 due to cervical cancer, she has always wanted a baby and now can not have one all because we had never even heard of HPV and it was let go too long. It is a simple little shot that may prevent your daughters, sisters, friends, etc. from falling victim to a virus that can change the rest of your life or end it.

Having said that I always think you should have a choice but to all the moms out there that say my daughter will not catch HPV because she is not sexually active or she will be careful - are you willing to risk her life on that?

Answer 9

The vaccine was being blocked by the Bush Administration because they felt that it would promote sexual promiscuity, and was therefore abhorent to the Christian right. It is probably being pushed heavily as a means of retaliation. My question is, why would anyone want to not get a vaccine that could significantly decrease the chances of getting cervical cancer?

Answer 10

for all females to beware of sexuality but safe sex and good communication between partners is real vaccination itself.