October 23rd, 2007
One Less? How about Two…
When we did our back to school check-ups, both of my daughters were vaccinated with Gardasil. Those without girls under the age of 26 may not know what I’m talking about.
Gardasil is the only (US) approved vaccine for HPV. HPV is the human papillomavirus and has more than a dozen strains. The vaccine prevents four of these (types 6, 11, 16, and 18). Types 16 and 18 cause 70% of all cases of cervical cancer. Types 6 and 11 cause 90% of the genital warts cases.
Yes, I said genital warts.
Yes, HPV is a Sexually Transmitted Disease.
The FDA has approved Gardasil for girls and women ages 9 to 26. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the vaccine be done around age 11. The goal is to vaccinate girls before they become sexually active. The vaccine requires the initial injection plus two boosters – one two-months after the initial injection, and six months after the initial dose.
No, I’m not advocating that my daughters engage in sex. In fact, when we talk about sex, I always tell them this:
“I’d prefer you not. But. If you do, use a condom.”
Thing is, condoms can’t always protect from HPV. Unlike HIV (AIDS), HPV is transmitted with skin contact, not bodily fluids. Condoms don’t quite cover everything….
I’m a realist. And I hope my daughters make the choice to abstain in their teens, and wait until they are older to become sexually active. But at sometime in their lives, they WILL be sexually active. The HPV vaccine is a vaccine that should protect them for the rest of their lives.
To assume that they will be abstinent their entire life is just stupid….
