An update on the HPV Vaccines
An excerpt from my article on the HPV Vaccines.
From the CDC, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. HPV has virtually no symptoms, so people do not know they have it. There are approximately 40 types of genital HPV. Some types can cause cervical cancer in women and can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women. Other types can cause genital warts in both males and females. The HPV vaccine works by preventing the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. It is given as a 3-dose vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for girls 11 and 12 years of age and is given in a series of three injections over a six-month period. The second and third doses should be given two and six months (respectively) after the first dose. The vaccine is also recommended for girls and women 13 through 26 years of age who did not receive it when they were younger. HPV vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Unfortunately, there haven’t been long-term studies on gay men who receive an HPV vaccination.
This past year, I’ve been following the HPV Vaccine trials and subsequent recommendation that young girls be vaccinated against the HPV virus. During this time, there have been side notes in the mainstream press about little known side effects. Whether or not the two companies of the vaccines, Merck and Glaxo Smith Kline, were aware of these side effects, they owe an explanation to the families of the girls and young womena n explanation. Are more studies needed? Should there be full disclosure of all, if any, possible side effects? Sure. Is it going to happen? Who knows.
The companies should be commended for finding a vaccine against a virus that kills women needlessly each year. Each parent must decide for themself to vaccinate their children.
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