Moms Talk: HPV Vaccine

Welcome to Moms Talk, a feature here on Suisun City Patch dedicated to reaching moms and families. We invite you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support here in Suisun City. Additionally, you will have opportunity to ask questions or offer answers on issues and hot topics that concern you. 

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question from your Moms Council:

Talks have been in the news lately about legislation to make it mandatory for young girls to receive the Human Papillomavirus vaccine, Gardisil. The vaccine, which was approved by the FDA in 2006, significantly reduces the occurrence of genital warts and cervical cancer in girls and is offered to females ages 12-19. Many states across the US have passed or introduced bills since the drug's release that would make either education or administering the drug mandatory. 

 So today we have two questions: Do you think the HPV vaccine should be made mandatory to young girls? Also, have you or would you have your daughter get the vaccine?

My answer: I don’t believe the vaccine should be mandatory, but I think it is important to educate the public on the vaccine so parents can make an informed decision for their daughters.

I am sympathetic to the fact that cervical cancer is the second leading cancer to kill women in the US. Still, I think that the decision to give the vaccine to young girls should be that of the parents, or if over 18, the adult. I am not sure I would have my daughter take the vaccine, myself, though I would definitely discuss it with her thoroughly research it.