I am 16 years old, not sexually active, and considering getting the cervical cancer vaccine. My mom and I have talked about it, and she's talked to her gyno, and we all think it's a good idea to get it. Just wondering, for those who have already taken it, do you have any opinions on it? Thanks for the input!
2007-09-04 09:45:20 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
my understanding is that you don't necessarily have to have sex to get cervical cancer...just a small correction there
2007-09-04 09:54:26 · update #1
As far as I'm concerned it is really a bit of an issue, particularly with respect to young school age girls where the Gardasil vaccine is also being promoted strongly. This vaccination cannot be taken lightly and although it is said to provide protection for upto 85% of HPV, there seems to have been an insufficient length of time (approx. 5 years) of trials to determine any likely side effects. This and the fact that the trials where conducted by the manufacturerers themselves (Merck and GlaxoSmithKline) and not an independant body, is of concern in itself! Further the age of the study group was 15 -26 years, and yet it is being promoted to girls under 15 that have yet to reach puberty. What effect is this likely to have? Who knows?
There are numerous articles on the safety and possible side effects and indeed the long term effectiveness of Gardasil to raise sufficient doubt in ones mind as to the necessity of having this particular vaccine. In all it appears that this drug was rushed through before full approval and in fact the FDA have stipulated for Merck to continue the monitoring and long term trial for girls under 15 years to confirm its safety. For us as parents there is sufficient doubt as to the safety that we postponed getting the vaccination for our daughter, until further studies and information comes to hand.
Following are some links to articles on the vaccine which you may wish to read. Ultimately it comes down to a risk evaluation of your own self and if you believe that you may sufficiently at risk of contracting the disease and the precautions that you may need to take so as to minimise the risk.
2007-09-04 12:53:07 · answer #1 · answered by John 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Other than each shot being the most painful injection I've ever had in my life I've had no side affects. You're right, we have a few years before we know long term consequences but I think that the benefits outweigh the cons. If you have a family history, however, of cervical cancer this might not be the right shot for you. You see, Gardisil only protects you from 4 strains of HPV, 2 of them being the cancer causing strains. These two strains can affect anyone almost anywhere on their body but it's especially dangerous for women because it takes a while to diagnose problems w/ the cervix. You can get the injections and you will be guarded against HPV, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. However, if you have a family history of it, you won't be guaranteed. You could just have already been fated for it from birth. I think that any person who's HPV free should take it. I understand they're actually running tests on men now as well.
2016-05-21 04:03:25 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a good idea to be as protected as possible. I've had 2 of the 3 needles. A word of advice - it is a pretty nasty injection. I have never had a reaction to a needle, I was always the tough girl who went up to have the needle first at school but with the first Gardasil injection I almost fainted. I was lying down for the second one and had no bad reactions.
2007-09-04 12:34:29 · answer #3 · answered by Evieve 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My daughter will be 11 this fall. She has had the vaccine series. Cancer runs in the family. My husband, kids dad, had Hodgekins Disease in 1998 and my middle child had kidney cancer in 2005 at 3 1/2 yrs old. We also have breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and renal cell carinoma that I know of. For us it was a VERY easy choice. My child has watched people she loves battle various forms of cancer and wants to lesson her chances of at least one type.
2007-09-04 14:25:23 · answer #4 · answered by tessasmomy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that anything with the potential benefits that vaccine has, far outweighs any associated risks. I'd get the vaccine if I could, but it's too late for me.
2007-09-04 09:48:54 · answer #5 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have had cervical cancer. i just wish I had your option. no doubt take the shot
2007-09-04 16:44:49 · answer #6 · answered by bluerozes888 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have gotten the shots and I say regardless of anything, why not get them. They are available as a prevention.
2007-09-04 15:01:29 · answer #7 · answered by T 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you follow the Bible, then you will have no need for this vaccine. If you wait until marriage and then you and your husband are faithful to each other, then you will never run the risk of encountering the virus.
2007-09-04 09:49:41 · answer #8 · answered by Scott 3 · 0⤊ 8⤋