Would you allow your daughter to be given the anti-cervical cancer injection?

Question

This vaccine is controversial because it is designed to be given to girls before they become sexually active, ideally around 12-13 yrs age.
Some critics have argued that vaccinating against HPV might promote sexual promiscuity.

I have a very good friend whose mum recently sadly passed away age 42 from cervical cancer (it was a remission- she lived another 2 years before passing)- her daughter 21 is obviously at high risk too.
I think all women should have the injection- regardless of notions of promiscuity or such moral dilemmas or any medical risks for that matter. For me better- alive and sinning than dead and virgin pure.

If it were available now I'd push my friends' sister to the Doctor right now- tie her up if I had to.

What about you- what are your thoughts?

Kat- very very sorry to hear that. Hope mum pulls through.

Answer 1

my thoughts are the manufacturers of this vaccine are in to gain a butt-load of cash from it.

i would not let my daughter (if I had one) get it until long term studies had been done on it

Answer 2

The arguments of promoting promiscuity are ludicrous. HPV is the cause of 70% of cervical cancers and the vaccine is effective against the two virus strains that cause most cervical cancers. HPV in some form is present in nearly 80% of the sexually active population. It is therefore essential that the vaccine is administered BEFORE the girl becomes sexually active. It is like saying administering a Rubella injection encourages girls to get pregnant. One reason the vaccine should be administered early is that older women (even late teens) who are already sexually active may assume that the vaccine protects them and fail to have smears. I was 20 and had had 1 partner, now my husband, when I was first treated for abnormal cells. I have recently been informed that I, once again, have severe changes to the cells. However as I am pregnant I have to wait until next year before these can be investigated. I would not hesitate to vaccinate my daughter.

Answer 3

I'd most defiantly give my daughter the shot. I don't think the shot has anything to do with promiscuity. If you teach your children morals and such it shouldn't be a problem. I was on birth control before I lost my virginity and I wasn't promiscuous because my mother instilled values in her children. Besides....kids are going to have sex...just teach them how to be safe about it. I'd rather have my daugher have safe sex and maybe be a little promiscous (not when she's 12 or 13..more like 30. lol)than see her go through cervical cancer or cancer of any kind.

Answer 4

I think that every parent has a responsibility to protect their child. It is a fabulous idea to vaccinate every girl at that age before they become sexually active. I dont agree that it will aid sexual promiscuity probably make them more aware of the risks of having sex. If I had a girl of that age I would not hesitate to have it done.

Answer 5

I agree with you. If a girl is a good girl, i doubt a vaccination is going to change her mind.
My friend Catherine's mum put her on "the pill" and she is 14! She is a virgin, and she has turned down, like, three guys! I doubt she is all of a sudden start seeping around with guys. That is promoting sexual promiscuity.♥

Answer 6

I really don't know and this is my reason for not being able to give you a straight answer. My 2nd child was born with perfect hearing by the age of 2 1/2 I discovered myself that she couldnt hear. It is not known how this occurred but in the back of my mind I wonder about the mmr injection. So therefore I would be reluctant to have her injected with a new drug.

Answer 7

I don't have any kids yet, but I decided the second I heard about it that if I ever had a daughter, I would have her butt gettin that shot ASAP....anything you can do to prevent having to deal with life threatening diseases should be done and I don't get someone who would not offer their child that protection if it was offered.

I think if you teach your child that it is wrong to be sexually promiscuous (and I do think it is) and continually remind your kids of the dangers of sleeping around, not to mention knowing what your kids are up to like a good parent should (and like my mom did!) then things should work out, but kids aren't perfect and slip up and if you can make their life easier I think that you should.

I feel the same way about the absitinence only education thing, thats ridiculous, as much as we would like it, lots of kids are gonna have sex, if not in high school later on and these kids need to know how to protect themselves if they do fall into the sex trap. Not teaching them and when they try it out and get STD's and Pregnant cuz they didnt know is gonna do far less good than letting them know what they can do to help! Its a parents responsibility to have kids prepared for everything, not just what you want them to do!

Answer 8

My wife went through surgery twice and then had a hysterectomy, I have a 9 yr old daughter and I will be at the front of the queue if it stops her from feeling the pain we all have suffered.
p.s my wife was not promiscuous, and through education and love I hope my daughter will also learn to value herself.

Answer 9

I personally think this vaccination is a God send, people are always sceptical about new drugs, but if it saves one life it is worth it. As for me, well my daughters are well brought up. Promiscuity rests with a decent moral up-bringing, something that seems to be lacking in today's Britain

Answer 10

HPV has been shown to be fully responsible for cervical cancer so to not have the jab would be an insanity. We are vaccinated as kids against polio, MMR etc.etc. so why not against a killer such as cervical cancer. I fully agree with you.

Answer 11

Yes, I would want my daughter to get vaccinated as my mother in law died of cervical cancer a few years ago.