HPV shots are growing in use

Despite it being a relatively new product, a reported one-in-four teenage girls received the vaccine that helps prevent certain types of cervical cancer and the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus last year. The Center for Disease Control and prevention gathered the information on the vaccine known as Gardasil in 2007 as part of their annual survey of childhood vaccinations.
CDC spokesperson Curtis Allen said the Gardasil vaccine is popular because it protects against cervical cancer, which is a major threat to women’s health in the United States.’
‘It does protect against at least two of the strains of HPV that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer,’ he said.
Allen said the CDC will continue to evaluate and ensure the vaccine does not become dangerous for women, though there are low risks associated with receiving it.
‘From what we see now, there are no significant side effects except for fainting following vaccination, which is not uncommon with vaccinations,’ he said.
Next week the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice, an outside body that advises the CDC on vaccine policy, will release an extensive report on the HPV vaccine, Allen said.
Vaccine Awareness for Florida President Toni Krehel said the increased number of Gardasil users is part of a larger national inclination to get vaccinations.’
‘We are accepting the paradigm that we must vaccinate at all times,’ she said. ‘We have grown up with this belief that vaccines are good, but there are all these things that get glossed over and ignored that are important and valid questions to ask.’
Krehel said she is not anti-vaccine, but believes girls should be well informed before they make a decision about getting the vaccine.’
‘It really boils down to individuals having to do their own homework,’ Krehel said. ‘They have to think about what they are doing.’
Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation sophomore Mandy Patrick said she decided to get the vaccine after a strong recommendation from her doctor and thinks all girls should follow suit.
‘It’s a simple thing to do that can save your life,’ Patrick said. ‘With any treatment you do you have to consider risks and benefits, but I feel the benefits outweigh the risks.’
Despite a sore arm for a few days, Patrick said she did not feel any other side effects.
‘It wasn’t the most painless shot I ever got, but it wasn’t anything too traumatic,’ Patrick said. ‘I know it can protect me against certain STDs and cancer, and prevention is the best medicine.’