I took Mallory to the Dr. for her 4th grade physical the other day. They wanted to give her the Human papillomavirus vaccine, (HPV or Gardasil) but I opted out on it. These are my reasons for opting out on the immunization.
- I think she is just way to young to be messing with her hormones.
- She just turned 9 so she isn't sexually active and not being a naive mom, I'm still guessing she won't be sexually active for a few more years.
- The Journal of American Medicine Association (JAMA) states in it's 8/19/09 issue "it is impossible to predict exactly what effect vaccination of young girls and women will have on the incidence of cervical cancer 20 to 40 years from now. The true effect of the vaccine can be determined only through clinical trials and long-term follow-up."
So I'm comfortable with my decision to opt out and will probably be opting out for at least the next 3-4 years.
What's your opinion on the vaccine?
10 comments:
I'm going to email you about this.
I would have to agree with you. Though I don't have any children of my own, I am pretty sure I would have done the same thing.
While I understand the benefits of the vaccine, she's 9- it doesn't seem to be a huge priority right now. Maybe when she's 14 of 15 it would make more sense, but since she's at no risk right now of contracting HPV, the possible side effects from the vaccine seem to be more of an issue than not having the vaccine at this point. I say let her develop some more, and maybe she can make an informed choice with your help when she's a bit more mature.
Ok, so apparently I read that wrong.. You said "what's your opinion on the vaccine".
I do think that the concept of this vaccine is good, but with all new drugs, it's still so new that there's very little data on its long-term effects. Viruses often mutate, so they have to keep up with changes in a virus, and also have to manufacture new vaccines based on those changes. It's a little scary to me.
I don't know enough about it to answer that but it just seems that we did fine without it before. I just don't know. If I were in your shoes with a 9 year old I think I would have done the very same thing you did.
Hi Sherry
My daughter was offered this a year ago when she was 12. 12 is the age it is being offered in England at the moment. I consulted 2 friends who are nurses who are Mum's of my daughters friends. They had both researched it and were letting their daughters have the vaccine. I had recently lost my father to cancer and I felt that any vaccine like this must be of benefit. The vaccine was given in 3 doses and after the first 2 my daughter ran a temperature was felt very tired for a few days. If I could turn the clock back I would have opted out and taken her for it when she was older. I certainly feel that 9 is way too young and that you did the right thing. Hope this helps.
Lindsay
x
Thank you all for your thoughts on the HVP vaccine. I think it is a very contreversial subject for woman and especially mothers of young girls. I do think that it is wonderful that they are working on ways to prevent cancer. I think in the long run it will be of a benefit, but as I said I'm just not convinced that it is the right thing for my 9 year old daughter.
Thanks for your opinions!!
Sherry
Always trust your instincts! And it sounds like you did. I think you did great! 9 is too young in my honest opinion- as she hasn't finished growing up. I'd wait after her 1st menstrual cycle and then see what the doctor suggests. You done good! Good for you!
:)
I opted out for now too.......if you found anything good out, email me :-)
We opted out, as well. For one thing it doesn't cover All types of cervical cancer. Twyla
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