why do people think the HPV vaccine is too risky?

Question

what are the risks involved and why shouldnt i get it?

Answer 1

There are a lot of good answers on here.

Like someone else mentioned, I think most people who are against the vaccine called Gardasil, believe that their young daughter isn't having sex and that they can't possibly contract the virus. I think a lot of parents would be really surprised to find out that their "good" daughter is having sex. I'm not saying sex is bad though. It can be a great experience with the right person. But, you HAVE to be responsible about it. I think a lot of young girls tend to be pretty naive about sex and the consequences that come with it including STDs and pregnancy (I know I was!).

Another argument about the vaccine is that it will "encourage" young girls to have sex because they feel they are now protected against the STD. I love how one doctor addressed this though. He said, "Just because you wear a seat belt, does that mean you drive recklessly? Or just because you give your son a tetanus shot, does that mean he is going to go out and step on a rusty nail? Of course not."

Some parents also feel like the vaccine is being forced. Almost every school in the US (if not all of them) require children to be vaccinated for various diseases such as hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, and diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) to name a few. Every state is different and requires different immunizations. Some states are considering adding Gardasil to the list of vaccinations to get before entering 6th grade. No state has made that a law yet, but several are considering it. New Hampshire has adopted a voluntary program, in which it supplies the vaccine free of charge on a triage basis.

As far as the physical risks on the body - EVERY vaccine or drug has some side effects or risks. Some common side effects from receiving the vaccine are pain, tenderness, or soreness at the injection site, redness, swelling, or bruising and dizziness, vomiting, or nausea. Some less common side effects may be fainting, difficulty breathing, or an allergic reaction. Since the vaccine is relatively new a lot of people want to see what the long term side effects from it are (and I don't blame them for that).

I personally contracted HPV right after I turned 17. I developed cervical cancer and genital warts from it. I wouldn't wish cervical cancer on ANYONE! It was one of the most painful and emotional times of my life. My parents were absolutely devastated, seeing how I am their only girl. We were afraid I would never have children of my own! And, now that there is a vaccine to prevent it, then why not get it? It can prevent developing cervical cancer and possibly dying from it! It's estimated about 10,000 women in the US alone were diagnosed with cervical cancer last year. About 4,000 of those women will die from it!

"To have a vaccine that prevents cancer and not use it would be one of the greatest tragedies" - Dr. Bradley Monk

http://www.gardasil.com/
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/594662/doctors_urge_hpv_vaccine_for_men_and_women/index.html?source=r_health
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?rnav=criov&dt=8

Answer 2

I haven't heard anyone say it's too risky, I have only heard arguments from conservative parents who think that their sweet little girl wouldn't possibly have sex before she was married, so there's never a chance she'll get HPV.

Dumb, of course, just like the religious right's arguments against promoting condoms.

That being said HPV is VERY prevalent in our society, with about 50% of the women having it.

If you don't have it, get the vaccine. HPV is usually relatively benign, but can lead to cervical cancer in some cases, so if you can avoid it, why not?

Just ensure the vaccine you are taking is mercury-free, as mercury is/was used as a preservative in some vaccines.

Answer 3

Vaccinating young people is the surest way to protect against HPV and prevent cervical and genital cancers. People who are sexually active should still reduce their risk of getting HPV by using condoms every time they have sex. In addition, women who are sexually active, whether vaccinated or not, can protect themselves against cervical cancer by getting regular Pap tests.

Answer 4

It's ignorance...its a freaking cancer vaccine! Who wouldn't want it!

Get it, I have HPV and if this would have been around b4 I would have got it and wouldn't be in the boat I am in.

Go get it, it will save a lot of heartache, and stress!

Answer 5

I have HPV and trust me you don't want it if you can get the shot get it if you want info on the shot talk to your DR. or go to webmd.com. So many people have it and don't know it so it is not worth the risk get the shot. I'm taking my daughter to get it.

Answer 6

i have gotten it and i feel ok