The HPV vaccine, should my 15 yr.old get it????

Question

My daughters doctor offered her the HPV vaccine I dont know enough about this shot and im kind of worried, should she get this ,every shot says it will prevent this or that but in the long run will it prevent cervical cancer and protect her from STDS?

Answer 1

The best thing you should do is research. I would never give my child anything without researching it thoroughly first.

http://www.909shot.com

As for my personal opinion, I would not give it to my daughter(if I had one). This vaccine is way to new, there is no possibility of knowing any of its long-term side effects. Also, as with all other vaccines, it is not tested for carcinogenic or teratogenic side effects, or effects on fertility. And with ingredients such as aluminum and phenols(known carcinogens) this concerns me greatly.

Answer 2

The HPV vaccine vaccinates a female against four different kinds of HPV - two that are known to be a factor in cervical cancer and two that cause genital warts. There are over 30 different kinds of HPV. Getting the vaccine will vaccinate your daughter against the most common and the most dangerous versions, but she is still at risk for the 26 other strains.
It does not prevent cervical cancer, though it does decrease her likelihood of getting it. Your daughter will still need to get yearly pap smears starting whenever she's sexually active (or 18, whichever comes first). Yearly pap smears remain the most effective way of preventing cervical cancer.

To contextualize this all, HPV is THE most common form of an STD. 50-60% of all 18-24 year old women have some form of HPV and 80% of all women will contract it sometime before they are 50. Those are only the women who know - countless more are suspected to have it and because it doesn't cause warts or abnormal cells they won't know it.
There is no way to be sexually active and effectively prevent HPV (even with proper use of condoms and dental dams).

The decision to vaccinate your daughter is up to you and your daughter. However, if I was in your position, I would do it.
Most insurance companies cover it now and it decreases her likilihood of contracting the form of HPV that can cause cancer.
What is there to loose by getting the vaccination?

Note: One of the other posters said that you should only do it if she is sexually active. This is incorrect - she could easily contract one of the preventable forms of HPV that the vaccine covers the very night she looses her virginity. It is more effective if administrated BEFORE she is sexually active.

Answer 3

The HPV vaccine is a good idea. It does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, and it doesn't prevent any types of STDs, but it does prevent some types of cervical cancer, and that should be enough to think about getting her the shot.

I think the shot is only effective, or most effective, when given before the girl is sexually active, so don't delay.

Answer 4

The HPV vaccine covers the four most dangerous HPV strains Two of them cause 70% of cervical cancers and two of them cause 90% of genetial warts.

It will not protect her against any other kind or type of STD.

As parents we can not be 100% sure that our children will behave in a manner we have tried to teach them in regard to sex. That it's best to wait until marriage. So the way I look at it, it's giving just a tad bit of confidence that if my daughter was to start sex too young she's at least protected somewhat from some life long risks.

Answer 5

It will not protect her from STD's in general, it will, however, protect her from four strains of HPV (human papilloma virus) that can cause cervical cancer. As a woman who has had a cervical lesion removed, I strongly recommend anything that can protect against HPV, especially because it is so prevalent and condoms are not entirely effective in preventing the tranfer of the virus. So, final answer, yes your daughter should be vaccinated.

Answer 6

my mom gave me the vaccine and i am only 15. cervical cancer runs in our family and she did tons of research on the hpv vaccine before she gave it to me. i dont know everything about it but i think it will definitly help protect about cervical cancer. i mean why not try it? there is an excellent chance it works and i would much rather be protected

Answer 7

I have a 12 year old and she is getting this vaccine soon. It will HELP not for sure protect her from cervical cancer but I am not to sure about the STDS, if you are woried about this just teach her about safe sex! I hope you make the right choice

Answer 8

I think every parent should get their daughters a shot that helps prevent cervical cancer. It a huge step for us in controlling this terrible disease to some extent.

Answer 9

From stds no well sorta because hpv is a type of std. i WOULD SAY IF SHE IS SEXUALLY ACTIVE .yes yes yes. hpv is the disease that causes cervical cancer there are three stages first one is reversable second one is livable third one is bad news dont take chances. Get her the shot

Answer 10

YES, it protects her from many kinds of viruses that cause cervical cancer. But no, it does not protect her from STD's. The viruses that cause cervical cancer are different from the ones that cause genital warts.(there are almost 20 kinds that cause these conditons and they are all concidered HPV's)