My daughter just turned twelve. I've been hearing a lot about this HPV vaccine. Should I get her vaccinated? It seems I'd be condoning her having sex.
"Ask the Experts" at East Jefferson General Hospital [Web Exclusive Content]
by Dr. Kathleen Sullivan
Your
daughter and all females between the ages of 9 and 26 should be
vaccinated against HPV. HPV (human papillomavirus)
is the most common sexually transmitted disease. It may affect 80% of
women before they're 50 years old. Some types cause abnormal pap
smears, which can eventually lead to cervical cancer. Other types can
cause genital warts. HPV is very easily transmitted. Condoms don't
necessarily protect against transmission because it is transmitted
via skin-to-skin contact.
Gardasil
(the HPV vaccine) is revolutionary. It is an immunization that can
prevent cervical cancer by protecting women from ever getting HPV. We
know that the vaccine is most effective when given early, as younger
girls and women will mount a more vigorous immune response.
When
surveyed, teens don't feel that their parents are condoning sex by
giving them the vaccine. Because Gardasil can eventually prevent your
daughter and other young girls from getting cancer, the message you
are giving your daughter is that her future health is the focus, and
not sex.
Dr.
Kathleen Sullivan Schiavi is an OB/GYN at East Jefferson General
Hospital. To make an appointment with Dr. Schiavi or another
physician at EJGH, please call HealthFinder at 504-456-5000.
