Gardasil

Annette - posted on 07/09/2009

I have two daughters 13 and 16. I have chosen not to get them Gardasil vaccines. I just don't feel like there has been enough research on the long term effects. My pediatrician left the decision up to me, he does ask everytime I take them in. When I asked him about long term effects he said they have been giving it in Europe for many years with minimal problems, but still not enough information for me.

Rebecca - posted on 07/07/2009

 

And to me, my daughters life is not a game, i will not make her a guinie pig for the sake of science or ..on the word of someone that hopes it will work.

I find it incredible that in todays world parents are still happy to refer to science as sceptical and dangerous, how many children wouldnt be in this world without the help of science??  And i agree, no child's life is a game, but have you ever thought about the risk you take every time you travel in the car with your child, hundreds of thousands of people die each year around the world in car accidents but no one is up in arms for driving with your children, i think that the side effects of this vaccine really need to be put into perspective and the real benefits looked closely at. I wonder if any other the parents so against this are against all vaccines, like the flu shot, which has also resulted in a small number of deaths.....

 

Kimberly - posted on 07/07/2009

Quoting Natalie:

To all the mums who talk about morality get a life both my husband and I have only had each other and I still contrated cervical cancer so tell me did I deserve it

I am sry to hear about your cancer, and I agree it's not about morality, although teaching your children to have morals is one of the biggest jobs we have as mother's. It's about getting intouch with reality about cancer. It doesn't only strike the "immoral" ones.

 Good luck, and hope everything turns out well for you!

Kimberly - posted on 07/07/2009

Hi, I just wanted to add a thought here...I have not decided, as of yet, to get my oldest daughter (15) vaccinated with Gardasil. I have read much on it, but I also have experience with having abnormal paps and pre-cancerous cells and also Cryo procedures, and colposcopy's. It is not a fun thing to go through, but mine was not through an STD. I have a huge amount of family history of cancer, and I have a friend who actually got married ( as a virgin) to an amazing Christian man, who is dealing with HPV. At one point, when he was very young he was molested by a woman in his family, but that was his ONLY time ever, until marriage. He was, unknowingly, carrying HPV. Now she has it and has recently had to have a hysterectomy at the age of 25.

Will my daughter get the vaccine? I don't know yet, but I am leaning toward yes...am I "giving her permission to have premarital sex"? NO I AM NOT...I am protecting her against what the world is throwing at her after she is married. ANYONE can carry this virus. Are there bad side effects? of course..the side effects can be terrible even fatal, but look at Tylenol and the facts coming out now about it. Everything has a "potential" for bad and even fatal side effects...we just all have to weight the options. My daughter is VERY active in this decision and helps me look up everything and everyone with "medical" insight to Gardasil. She also has taken "the Pledge" to remain pure, but I am thinking about her future. Good luck to ALL of you out there. This is a very hard decision to make, and we need lots of prayer and guidance in this :)

Sara - posted on 07/01/2009

There's actually evidence that has come out lately that Gardasil given to people that already have HPV improves their pap results. i will be getting the vaccine for my daughter when she is old enough.

Meredith Hertel - posted on 07/01/2009

Absolutely not! It is not tested long term for one, and two, PLEASE do your research other than what your Dr. says who is trained and reads the materials put out by the drug companies. Remember, drug companies are the ones with the money to conduct the studies. Conflict of interest. You'd be trading a fear with adult illness that harbors in the t2 cells. Bodies can't shed the heavy metal toxins etc. very well and later health issues will surface. Why do "we" continue to make our kids/socity sick?

Carrie - posted on 07/01/2009

One of my good friends has cervical cancer. This alone prompted me to do this for my girls.

Ive started my 15 1/2 yr old on Gardasil. She has done fine. I was apprehensive also, but after talking to the doctor I believe it's better safe than sorry. Talk more in depth with your doctor get the facts. There are some people that have had problems, but more because of underlying issues. I will be getting my 91/2 yr old done also.

LaCi - posted on 07/01/2009

Quoting Angie:

My daughters won't be getting these shots. If they choose to act in a way to get an STD they'll just have to live with the consequences.

Its not a matter of getting an STD. HPV is not ONLY transmitted from sex, and its not something you will have to deal with for the rest of your life-unless it turns cancerous. HPV usually goes away on its own within a year or two unless you end up with growths which are easily removed, so if you think because your daughter had sex she should get cancer and have a good chance of dying-i guess that is your prerogative 

LaCi - posted on 07/01/2009

There can be VERY nasty side effects, they are rare, but they can be bad. You could hold of toward the end of the recommended ages, and then let her decide if she wants it or not. If i were in a position to get the vaccine at that age, I would have. Would you have wanted to get it? Given it is new, and there could be side effects. Have a long discussion with her about it and decide together?

Vangie - posted on 07/01/2009

I have a soon to be 11 yr old, and i will not want her to get the Gardasil vaccine. The reason being , is because it is a new drug. I also know a girl, that i used to work with who had taken the vaccine, and she had side affects, her side affects are the numbing of hands and feet, and sharp pains that come and go. She and her family are going to sue for what has taken place. but besides knowing that, if i had not known that, i still would not have my daughter take the vaccine, we don't know alot about it, I would not reccomend doing it.

Connie - posted on 07/01/2009

i have 4 girls. my oldest 2 have had the series, and my youngst 2 will have it as soon as they are old enough. i have known 2 women who had to have complete hysterectomys due to the HPV virus one was my best friend who at 23 will never know the joy of being a mother, and the other who almost died giving birth to her son because of the damage the virus had done to her. I love my babies and i would gladly give them anything that will help to protect them. no vaccine is perfect, i have to have a mmr every couple of years and it has been around for a long time. and listening to the recording that is playing, i would have to say, have you ever read the list of possible side effects on almost any prescrition medicine? because all people are differant they have to list all effects possible the list on some of the meds we consider the safest are often astronomical. and yes, if there were more STD vaccines i would get my daughters those too, not too encourage sexual activity but to help protect them if that is the path they choose.

Marilet - posted on 07/01/2009

Hi,



Other than most moms it seems, I will gladly vaccinate my child with anything that can save her life!!



I agree that one need to instill good values in our daughters! But this vaccine is not an excuse for starting with sex! I am 30 this year with three beautiful children. After my second child however at the six week visit my doctor found infection on my cervix. This could be or become cancerous if ingnored. After laser threatment it seems that I am now "safe".



I did however get the gardisil vaccines now after my third baby as I am afraid that is may come back. So no, it isn't a direct result of early sex and yes, I would help my daughter if I can, even if these sypmtoms may only appear at 30!!

Natalie - posted on 06/28/2009

To all the mums who talk about morality get a life both my husband and I have only had each other and I still contrated cervical cancer so tell me did I deserve it

Meghan - posted on 06/28/2009

My 2 sisters and I have has the serires...no side effects and my daughter will get it when she get older as well

Laura - posted on 06/28/2009

hpv is a very common S.T.I, there are often no symptoms and no treatment because it is a virus. It is true the majority of women will clear the virus themselves but if you have no idea you have it, how do you know if your body has delt with it. Persistant HPV infection is known to cause 73% of cervical cancers. Its ok if you go and have regular smear tests as the cell changes will be picked up early and treated but the age group cervical cancer effects are poor attenders for their smears. The disease progresses undetected until its too late. If you are going to do your research about the vaccines also look at the data on cervical cancer, it's destroys families, these women are in the prime of their lives, they often have young children who depend on them and they certainly have parents who have to go through the agony of watching their child die from it. Girls are vaccinated early deliberatlly to catch them before they are sexually active, that's the whole point, get their bodies protected before they come into contact with the virus. The vaccines are 99% effective against HPV virus, they are predicting saving around 400 lives a year, not may I hear you say, but my daughter could, in the future be in that 400, then I am glad the vaccine is available. People in this country are so lucky we have the choice, vaccines do come with a risk but we often forget to take into account the risks involved with the very diseases the vaccines protect us from.

Caitlin - posted on 06/26/2009

danielle - there is always going to be at least one person who has a side effect from EVERYTHING. no one person or child is exactly the same. my son has had every state-required vaccine (no side effects whatsoever), and our doctor has taken plenty of time to explain to us the potential risks of side effects along with the potential risks of the diseases. the risk of disease outweighs the risk of side effects by a long shot for us. if there are side effects normally they are low-grade fevers or difficulty sleeping that night, the claims that they cause autism and death are based on a very FEW cases, not many. as i said every child is different and so perhaps these cases can be attributed to the individual's body chemisty/allergies/something like that, rather than the vaccine itself. which books are you reading? i would genuinely be interested in reading them. but perhaps you should broaden your base of knowledge and get info from a few different sources of both opinions, not just one-sided "facts".

Caitlin - posted on 06/26/2009

and about vaccines in general... yes if your child happens to be in the small fraction of a percentage that have terrible side effects from vaccines that would be tragic! i would never want to go through that and my heart goes out to families that have because i know i would not be able to deal with it. that being said however, it is for the greater good. imagine if your child was the unlucky one who got infected and then exposed the virus to other un-vaccinated children. then we have an epidemic where millions of children could potentially be harmed or even die. the risk of a child contracting any of these diseases (mumps measles rubella chicken pox etc.) far outweighs the risk of harmful side effects from the vaccines themselves. i argued with our doctor about the chiken pox vaccine because i remember having the chicken pox and while uncomfortable i did not think them to be dangerous. however he told us that in the population of children who do get chicken pox there is a percentage who have dangerously high fevers, brain damage, and who have died from this virus. yes a small percentage but not as small as the percentage of side effects from the vaccine. i think i'm just rambling now but i hope that made sense because i really do believe in the greater good. i love my son more than anyone in this world and i will protect him over all others, but i won't risk the lives of millions of other children as well to avoid such a SMALL risk from these vaccines. we take bigger risks than that when we put him in the carseat to take him to the park. (and we only do that when absolutely necessary as it is) what do you think his odds of surviving a car accident are???? its sad to think about but it makes sense, doesn't it?

Caitlin - posted on 06/26/2009

angie - it's not protecting them from std's it's from cervical cancer... the immunization isn't there so that young girls can sleep around without worrying about consequences... there are still PLENTY of other diseases they'd have to worry about even with the vaccine - herpes, gonnorhea, chlamydia, etc. witholding this immunization from them is no guarantee that they will always engage in cautious behavior either, it just increases the risk that if they make a mistake (which we all do, right?) or if someone takes advantage of them they will be exposed to a dangerous disease.

Danielle - posted on 06/26/2009

After reading some of these posts, it only confirms what I already believe to be true. That these vaccines, not just Gardisil, but many others are the causes to many deaths and serious reactions people have. I've read many books about it and just reading these posts I'm obviously not the only one who feels this way. The FDA and medical community use scare tactics in order to get you to vaccinate your children for the "greater good", but what if it's YOUR child that has a side effect or dies. They don't have to deal with the consequences, YOU do. There needs to be much more testing on all vaccines before they put them on the market, especially Gardasil, since it's quite new. It seems to me they saw a need and quickly just dropped something on the market. You have no idea what type of long term side effects this could lead to down the road as well. The books I have read said that vaccines may be linked to many childhood cancers. You can base your own opinion on that. As for me, I choose NOT to vaccinate my daughters with Gardasil, or any other vaccine until they can PROVE that these drugs have no side effects.

Natalie - posted on 06/26/2009

i just started the Gardasil shots the other day, i am 25 yrs old and i think that anything that has to do with my health as a women is very important. The only side effects that i had was where i got the needle is was sore like i had a dead arm and tender only for about 6 hrs after. i have a son but if i had a daughter i would definatley get the shots for her. its a topic that everyone will have there say on, really its like getting a flu shot, you have a 50% chance of getting the flu still but people still get that.......

Mary - posted on 06/26/2009

Hi,

I recently completed a paper for school (Phd in Nursing) on cervical cancer. I live in an area that has one of the highest rates for Cervical cancer (Appalachia) There are 3 other areas in this country with high rates (Texas/Mexico Border, Central Valley of Calif and rural South). The Gardisil Vaccine is a series of 3 injections (approx $120 apiece but covered by Vaccine for Children and if you have insurance) that is very effective against the HPV virus that causes cervical cancer. The biggest issue is that there are no long term studies that look at effectiveness past 5 years. The studies are going on, but have not been completed yet. The other concern is that when any new health product comes out, sometimes there are unforeseen side effects that occur.



You are right to have questions... I hope this post was of help



Mary Vance

Diana - posted on 06/25/2009

I decided against it because I don't think it has been around long enough to be certain that it is safe and effective.

Jennifer - posted on 06/25/2009

Quoting Joanna:

Quoting Jennifer:

None of the Pediatiricans I've spoken with are giving their own teen daughters this vaccine. It's too new, not enough research into the long term effects and possible damages yet.
I say Don't risk it. How awful would it be to find out in 3 years that this shot eliminated your daughter's chances to be a Mother herself?? There's NO reason anyone under 14 should start these shots.
Our kids need Education, Open Safe Communication and a chance to finish being children BEFORE we allow them to percieve (wrongly) that this shot series will keep them safe.
I'm no naive enough to believe that preaching abstinence works (it didn't stop me or my friends from pre marital relations), but I do know that when taught early and often, children learn lifelong skills and values that can help enrich thier futures abundantly.

Also, this Does Not Prevent multiple STDs! Only Abstinence prevents all STDs and pregnancy. Be Very Sure your daughters and sons understand that please! I've been working in a Teem Mother's shelter for years now and still hear stories from young Mommies who swore "it can't happen the first time" or, "he pulled out" or, "but I never even had a period".
Please, PLEASE~ PLEASE~ PLEASE?! talk to and teach your children and let them talk back openly. Education has saved almost as many people's lives as soap.

I am very sorry, I don't mean to contradict anything you've said because I agree with most of it and I certainly don't want to come across as disrespectful but abstinence cannot prevent all STDs from ocurring. You can get gonorrhea and chlamydia (sorry I can't spell them! lol) just from sitting on a dirty toilet seat (there were signs up in the public restrooms all over the place here), You can get HIV/AIDS  and hepatits C from infected blood getting into your system, for example a blood transfusion or even assisting someone who has it when they cut themselves, if you've got an open wound and someof their blood gets on you you could find yourself infected with the virus. Again I don't mean to be contradictory  or disrespectful.

Joanna, thank You. I feel no disrespect at all from your comments. You're a good person with good intentions, holding a mature conversation. I wish everyone could also behave as well.

While you are correct that other diseases (STDs, colds, Flu, HepC) are all transmittable by several methods other than sexual contact, basic caution and cleanliness can usually prevent most of those, most of the time and without negative side effectts or vaccinations.

We should be teaching all of our kids from birth;

1~ Don't touch other people's wounds, 2~ proper use of a dry toilet seat (sit down normally, so that your crotch is in the open center, not touching the seat, do your thing, wipe, flush & wash your hands throroughly) , 3~self respect 4~ Proper hand washing, 5~ healthy nose blowng and sneeze guarding, and overall cleanliness. 

I am well aware that preaching abstinence isn't a cure all by any means, but I'm all for promoting it as the Best method for keeping our daughters and sons safer.

Beyond that, good morals, good examples set by us, a complete education and the opportunity for our kids to feel comfortable asking and getting their questions answered is, IMHO the best thing we can do for them on all topics they will encounter as they grow.

Have a Beautiful Day Friends,

Cheryl - posted on 06/25/2009

For a very long time I thought I would never give my girls this vaccine because I thought it would be like condoning sex with multiple partners and so on. Now after talking to my brother in law who is a doctor I do plan on considering giving the vaccine when my child is older. My reason: I hope and pray that my daughters will be sexually pure and that they marry someone that is, but even if they are sexually pure for their entire life they may marry a return missionary who is destined to be bishop, but has had sex with a partner that carried this "disease" that hurts girls and not the boys that can carry it. Now, the man who was a boy has repented of this and is an honorable person, but my daughter could get cervical cancer even though she was always sexually pure.



I do think we should have the choice to give or not to give Gardasil and I don't think that the choice should be taken from us by our government. I hear that there are some pretty bad side effects so you have to way that decision for yourself.

Dianne - posted on 06/25/2009

I will NOT be getting either my 11 or 16 year old daughters this shot. I have personally heard horror stories of the side effects. My daughter's 11 year old friend fainted when she got the shot and has had severe headaches and muscle aches since. I urge you to do your homework before giving this to your daughters!!

Paula - posted on 06/25/2009

I have a 15 year old daughter and I have decided that it is up to her. She is a very smart young lady. She has read up on it somewhat and has seen some of the things that other girls are going through. She doesn't want the shot at this time. She said that maybe in a few years when they get all the kinks worked out she may. Thankfully we have no signs of the cancer in our family...so we will see when it comes to the issue again next year before school starts.

Virginia - posted on 06/24/2009

I am the mother of 3 daughters, a cervical cancer survivor, and the friend of someone who lost her fertility because of cervical cancer. Now, I am not going into the morality issue or religion or even marriage subjects. The issue here is the Human Papilloma Virus. Although as women we can protect ourselves by limiting our partners, we have no protection about the former partners of our spouse/significant other. That being said, I weighed the issues and decided to vaccinate my daughters and they are fine. Although I know that Gardisil cannot guarantee that my daughters will never get cervical cancer, I am reassured in the knowledge that I have done everything in my power to protect them with the vaccine and the education based on my experiences.

Laura - posted on 06/24/2009

This is a personal matter and the answers will be different in every household in America. You have morals and values vs. prevention of health issues. Both have valid points. My only concern is why should a 10, 14, 16 year old be burdened with such an issue? I can see how an 18 year old should be concern about it but not a 10 year old. To me, it sounds like asking a 10 year old if she is willing to sign a pre-nuptial agreement. Unfortunately, we live in a society where it is so important to have our daughters grow faster than they should. We have to mainly thank the media for that. Well, of course, pharmaceuticals are dying to profit from all this. Have you counted how many TV commercials about pills, medications, vaccines, ointments, drops, etc. we have? It's ridiculous!! So, why not take Diovan to prevent high blood pressure? How about Lipitrol to prevent high cholestesrol? You see, some health issues are in our DNA. Others, depending on our lifestyle, we can prevent. So, going back to Gardasil, you need to ask yourself, what is your 10 year old wanting to prevent? What do you want to prevent? Then make a choice and live with the consequences. I hope everyone has paid attention to the commercial. It clearly states that Gardasil does not prevent or make anyone immune from HIV and does not work on every type of HPV. Well, that's quite the endorsement. If you ask me, that's quite the gamble for a 10 year old to have to worry about.

Kat - posted on 06/24/2009

My daughter had her shots via the school when she was 15 - she had no side effects what so ever and neither did any of her friends at the school - I feel when there are new ways to reduce the risk in cervical cancer than surely it is the way to go. She had not been sexually active and we discussed all the benefits to having the shots. I do think that perhaps 10 is a little young as I didnt think they recommended the shots until after 12.

Heather - posted on 06/24/2009

I personally would have reservations, not because I think it will cause promiscuity...because it has not been on the market long enough, my own husband (who is a pharmacist) does not believe that we should get the vaccine for our daughter because there simply has not been enough research on it yet. Now my husband is the most pro-active vaccine gung-ho guy I know, we have had several conversations about the rest of the vaccines, I would wait...or choose not too until further research has come through

Kathleen - posted on 06/24/2009

First of all most Pediatric Dr.'s do not recommend it til 11 years old. Girls can have it as young as 9 but in the Pediatric office that I work in it is given at 11. My daughter is only 9 right now and i will be giving it to her when she turns 11. It not only protects from Cervical Cancer it also protects from many strains of the HPV virus. I believe that all immunizations are important. The CDC, FDA, and the AAP (american academy of pediatrics) all have to appove of all vaccines that come out. You need to be able to trust your pediatriciation on the decisions that they make for your children

Chele - posted on 06/24/2009

Quoting Jess:

Please do your research!! I am a clinical psychologist with a passion for researching health and wellness. I do not vaccinate my children with anything. I believe if most Mom's would start doing their own research instead of putting their dr.s up on pedistals, we would have a world with much healthier kids. Did you know that the average physician has just a few hours of nutrition training? It just goes to show you that you need to be your own advacate for your own health , and the and health of your kids. As mothers we should be the first line of defence when it comes to keeping kids healthy. IF you research the history of the pharmacutical industry, you will find some info that will shock and anger you. I would NEVER inject my child with such poison. and yes formaldehyde is considered a toxic poison. So is mercury, also used in vaccinations. When you research these drugs and the companies that make them, you soon realize that they are a BUSINESS--out to make $$$$. Don't even assume that they are creating drugs to help you or your children. That is just not true. Look at the history of Western medicine--there was a time when the common form of medicane was to drain peoples blood out and then inject them with mercury. Or how about the Hormone Replacement Therapy that a huge percentage of women were taking in the 80's and 90's? Now they are like "oops! Looks like these drugs cause cancer." back to the basics is always the best--eating whole organic foods, exercise, plenty of sunshine and using herbs from the earth, not a lab to heal.

Chele - posted on 06/24/2009

I don't have female children, but I don't really think that there is enough information about the Gardasil vaccine. I would do my research before making the decision. I don't know that there are any studies that can confirm the long term effects of the vaccine. We surely don't want to see lawyer adds "for those who had the Gardasil vaccine".

I believe that if we do our darndest to raise our children with the best morals and decision making skills we can there would be a drop in what this vaccine is for. Not to be closed minded about the fact that "things happen", but to teach our kids, boys and girls, that waiting and/or protecting ourselves is the best plan for our lives. Gardasil is to prevent cervical cancer which is mainly caused by HPV. There are many ways to contract this virus other than sexual activity...just do your homework! Good luck!

Angela - posted on 06/24/2009

My daughter is 15 years old and has had two of the shots and so far no side effects and I recommend it because teenagers are so naive especially girls and if she does have sex I know that if she does this could help prevent something serious from happening

Cindy - posted on 06/24/2009

Well I had cervical cancer at 21 and was pregnant at the time and was able to have my daughter. I had a hysterectomy at 22 - that was very sad. My daughter received that vaccine as soon as it came out. It helps me to relax a little more since this disease has run in my family and I have lost a few to it. She received the shot with no side effects and is now 21. She received the shot at 16.

Kristin - posted on 06/24/2009

After talking to a friend who is a dr, we had our now 16 year old daughter vaccinated. No side effects. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer a short time after giving birth back in 93. My mother is going through treatment at this time for the same thing. Don't want my daughter to go through what I did.

Guggie - posted on 06/24/2009

Quoting Marissa:

My best friend who is now 26 was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 21. As a result of the cancer she is unable to have children. I have had the vaccine and had no side effects and when my daughter is old enough she will def be having the vaccinations. They don't just come up with a vaccine for the hell of it. Research does take place. It saves lives!

You might want to take a moment to read the Guardasil insert. It states that the vaccine has not been tested for carcinogenic and mutagenic problems. It also states that no studies have been done on the potential impairment of fertility.

There's a certain irony to this particular vaccine.

Sanja - posted on 06/24/2009

My daughter is just about to be 15 and have had the full series. It is on social security/medical insurance list of recommended vaccinations, here in France. I haven't had any second thoughts.

I have had a good cancer scare shake-up few years ago. Lesion and then series of treatments and surgery. Why she would go through it if there is a good chance to be protected?! In my mind, this has nothing to do (e.g. interfering) with teaching her about safe sex, clever behavior and making choices.

We are already protecting our children from polio and mumps and all the other horrors, so why not against HPV?

There is not one thing in our lives and our surroundings without certain level of risk, all is about balancing risks and advantages. It's easier to remember one or couple of cases of side-effects over thousands of uncomplicated cases which may be if not life-savers, but then just piece(s) of mind.

Stephanie - posted on 06/24/2009

Have you done your research? Visit www.naturalnews.com-- search Gardasil. Big pharma only gives doctors enough info to "scare" parents into allowing their daughters to be poisoned. This is a ridiculous vaccine-- and you have no way of knowing how your daughter's body is going to react. Best of Luck.

Jess - posted on 06/24/2009

Please do your research!! I am a clinical psychologist with a passion for researching health and wellness. I do not vaccinate my children with anything. I believe if most Mom's would start doing their own research instead of putting their dr.s up on pedistals, we would have a world with much healthier kids. Did you know that the average physician has just a few hours of nutrition training? It just goes to show you that you need to be your own advacate for your own health , and the and health of your kids. As mothers we should be the first line of defence when it comes to keeping kids healthy. IF you research the history of the pharmacutical industry, you will find some info that will shock and anger you. I would NEVER inject my child with such poison. and yes formaldehyde is considered a toxic poison. So is mercury, also used in vaccinations. When you research these drugs and the companies that make them, you soon realize that they are a BUSINESS--out to make $$$$. Don't even assume that they are creating drugs to help you or your children. That is just not true. Look at the history of Western medicine--there was a time when the common form of medicane was to drain peoples blood out and then inject them with mercury. Or how about the Hormone Replacement Therapy that a huge percentage of women were taking in the 80's and 90's? Now they are like "oops! Looks like these drugs cause cancer." back to the basics is always the best--eating whole organic foods, exercise, plenty of sunshine and using herbs from the earth, not a lab to heal.

Pam - posted on 06/24/2009

I sincerely hope that works for you. I really do but as for me I am not about to take that chance with the things in my life that mean the very most to me- my children. My sister who taught abtinence to her children and sent them to Christian schools was devestated when her 15 yr old daughter came home pregnant. The nun in her church told her- it's not your daughter- the only difference between her and the other teen girls walking these halls is that SHE got pregnant-they did not-not yet anyway. We can teach all we want to-we give our values and morals to our children and they grow in our home environment but one lapse in judgement can change all of that for the rest of their lives. I have a 16 year old great neice to prove that.

Joy - posted on 06/24/2009

I think if we teach monogamy and abstinence to our children that the vaccine would not be needed. The theory behind the drug is that people that have multiple sex partners in their lives can get cervical cancer by catching the HPV from their partners.



When the vaccine is offered to my sons, I definitely will say no to it and just teach them about monogamy and abstinence.

Pam - posted on 06/24/2009

If I vaccinated my children against chicken pox- a childhood disease that will not kill them- why would I then chose NOT to vaccinate my daughter for a disease that has a much higher possibility of killing her? That to me is ludicrus. I vaccinated my children with ALL of the childhood vaccines - measels-mumps-chicken pox ( I had all of these childhood diseases when I was a child-but current laws require vaccination for school entry) because if it will prevent my children from discomfort and being ill and possibly worse I am all for it. Why not this vaccine? Just because it is for HPV? Pleeease. In my opinion that is being very "backwoods" and as I said before- I am not willing to play russian roulette with my daughters health and future family plans.

Debbi - posted on 06/24/2009

I you research it, I am fairly certain you will choose not to inject your daughter. Don't take the pharmaceutical company's word for it. doctors usually do not have time to research, they often (not always) but often rely in the selling pharmaceutical company's info.

Ginny - posted on 06/24/2009

Where did you find the info on "how litle research" was conducted?

Danielle - posted on 06/24/2009

Quoting Jamie:

My husband is a pediatrician with a young (almost 4-year-old) patient whose mom is undergoing treatment for cervical cancer, which she developed after getting HPV from her husband. (He was asymptomatic and unaware that he was even a carrier until after she was diagnosed.) The boy is obviously not old enough to understand cancer, so he refers to her treatments as "the time before (or after) Mommy lost her hair." Cervical cancer does not just happen to girls who sleep around--it can happen to any of us. The Gardasil vaccination is a way to prevent CANCER! I can't imagine NOT wanting to give my daughters that benefit.

Dianne - posted on 06/24/2009

I am a cervical cancer survivor. I wish they had this vaccine when I was growing up. I tell anyone who asks GET THE VACCINE. You do not want to go through cervical cancer when it is preventable.

Dianne - posted on 06/24/2009

I am a cervical cancer survivor. I wish they had this vaccine when I was growing up. I tell anyone who asks GET THE VACCINE. You do not want to go through cervical cancer when it is preventable.

Danielle - posted on 06/24/2009

I have already posted to this but wished to share the below information:



Here is the url for MERK's Gardasil official website: http://www.gardasil.com/ You can go and read all of the information for yourself.

Here is the CDC url for information concerning HPV and Cervical Cancer: http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/default.htm

Danielle - posted on 06/24/2009

Hello. My fourteen year old daughter has had the Gardasil vaccine. No side effects or problems. I am getting ready to get my nine year old daughter vaccinated as well. There are more benefits from being vaccinated against HPV than possible side effects from the vaccine. Researchers are not looking into the possibility that Gardasil may help with male prostate cancer prevention. You can check this information for yourself by Googling it.

There seem to be some on here that have the incorrect ideology that HPV is only transmitted sexually. That is NOT TRUE! Please people read and learn the truth and not some religious ideology. As a mother of five, I cannot nor will ever understand why some choose rhetoric over fact when vaccines are proven to be effective preventatives of serious diseases.