Cervical cancer vaccine recommended for pre-teens.
HVP Vaccine: Vaccine approved to protect against cervical cancerCourtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Should pre-teen girls be vaccinated against cervical cancer?
This is what a US federal medical panel recommended. The decision comes on the heels of US government approval earlier in June of the vaccine, Gardasil.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by certain types of genital human papillomavirus (HPV). The vaccine, Gardasil®, protects against four HPV types, which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. This HPV vaccine was recently licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in girls/women, ages 9-26 years.
Some FAQ from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How common is cervical cancer in the United States (U.S.)? How many women die from it?
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006, over 9,700 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,700 women will die from this cancer in the U.S.What HPV types does the vaccine protect against?
The new HPV vaccine protects against the two HPV types that cause most (70%) cervical cancers (types 16 and 18), and the two HPV types that cause most (90%) genital warts (types 6 and 11).
About 30% of cervical cancers will not be prevented by the vaccine. Also, the vaccine does not prevent about 10% of genital wartsWhy is HPV vaccine recommended for such young girls?
Ideally, females should get the vaccine before they are sexually active—since this vaccine is most effective in girls/women who have not yet acquired any of the HPV vaccine types. Girls/women who have not been infected with any vaccine HPV type will get the full benefits of the vaccinIs the HPV vaccine safe?
The FDA has approved the HPV vaccine as safe and effective. This vaccine has been tested in over 11,000 females (ages 9-26 years) in many countries around the world. These studies have shown no serious side effects. The most common side effect is soreness at the injection siteHow effective is this vaccine?
The vaccine has mainly been studied in young women who had not been exposed to any of the four vaccine HPV types. These studies found the vaccine to be 100% effective in preventing cervical precancers caused by the vaccine HPV types. These studies also found it to be almost 100% effective in preventing precancers of the vulva and vagina, and genital warts that are caused by the vaccine HPV types. The vaccine was less effective in young women who had already been exposed to a vaccine HPV type. This vaccine does not treat existing HPV, genital warts, precancers or cancers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Bill Gates
According to The National Cervical Cancer Coalition women in developing countries account for about 85 percent of both the yearly cases of cervical cancer (estimated at 493,000 cases worldwide) and the yearly deaths from cervical cancer (estimated at 273,500 deaths worldwide).
In the majority of developing countries, cervical cancer remains the number-one cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
Backed by a $27.8 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the non-profit international health group, PATH, will launch a five-year effort to distributing Gardasil to women starting in India, Uganda, Peru and Vietnam. New Scientist
Vaccination by inhaling spray possible
"The spray needs two doses, spaced two weeks apart, compared to the injectable vaccine, which requires three doses over six months. Denise Nardelli-Haefliger at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, who leads the team developing the vaccine, presented the results at the conference of the European Research Organization on Genital Infection and Neoplasia in Paris." New Scientist
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In addition to medical professionals recommending a vaccine like Gardasil to young women who are sexually active, I think it's important for anyone who knows this information (like you or me, for example!) to step-up the effort to educate other women (and men!) about the link between HPV and cervical cancer. Especially when so many young women don't have health insurance and tend to skip out on regular pap tests.
Speaking of which, I really appreciate the PSAs that I've seen all over in women's restrooms lately about HPV and the importance of getting tested. They're supposed to look like graffitti, which at first seems kind of silly, but at the same time that's the right idea! Talk about it! I think one key thing that's lost in sexual education curricula that focus on scaring teens into celibacy is the importance of good communication with your healthcare providers AND with your friends, older siblings, partners, ETC.
Right on Shanai, I totally agree! Yet, I also get a little shiver up my spine when I see comercials on TV that come off as Public Service Announcements but are really warm up adds by Merck, the company that came up with the vaccine. I think I would feel better about the vaccine if it weren't so very expensive. Its just hard when profit is wound so tightly around the issue of women's health.
Absolutely! This is a STD that is otherwise symptomless and thus spreads without signs. Vacination is an added protection, not a permission slip to forget other forms of protection.
I totally agree. Hard as it is to wrap my head around the idea that my two little girls will have sex one day, and probably sooner than I would like, it's a whole lot harder to wrap my head around the idea that they might die, early and in pain, from a completely preventable disease.
Making sure they get the shots is no excuse for not having "the talk" with them, and making sure that they're acting responsibly.
I believe that vaccination is a good idea and should be put into effect immediately.
Not sure if it will work to post this link, but the journal Nature has published an interesting story about an algae compound that reportedly protects against the strain of HPV that leads to cervical cancer.
Here's that link:
Algae compound surprisingly effective at preventing cancer-causing viral infection.
I do agree with what the majority of you are saying, its a great idea to have this vaccination. Yet I have to say that as a seventeen year old girl, I have seen no evidence of its avalibility or really even much education about HPV and cervical cancer, or anything really relating to sexual health. (we did have a woman with external HPV come in to our school, but that was more of a scare tactic) This nation needs to make this information avalible to us youngsters before its too late. This vaccines necessity is sad but true, i mean its great that we have it but there needs to be more education.
PS. out of intrest how does one get this vaccine? It seems somewhat impossible for the recommended age group to get ahold of it without liberally minded parents. Also if anyone has a link or knows of this vaccines possible side effects it would be grreatly appreciated.
I can relate to your frustration with our lack of educating youth about many facts of life relating to their health and safety. When I was your age I tried to find answers to my many questions in the library or more often in a good book store. Today you have the internet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has answers to many of your questions.
give it to EVERYONE. They give vaccins for all kinds of dieases. This one should be included
I do agree with this vacination, but I also think that it should be up to parents , that their child get it. Not any one else sense this HPV virus is sexually transmitted. But if I had a duaghter, heck yeah she will get it.
It is not the parent that will be contracting HPV. If the child is of sound mind and is informed, it should be their decision.
Michigan lawmakers are considering a bill requiring that girls entering the sixth grade receive the HPV vaccine.
What do you think? Should the HPV vaccine be part of the regular schedule of childhood vaccinations? Should it be required, like other vaccines, for school?
I Have been trying to research all possible side effects of the HPV vaccine and the percentages connected to them, But can only find a vague statement that the most common side effect is soreness at the site of the injection. This still doesn't answer my question obviously. It makes me wary that they aren't more forthcoming with this information. I was told by my aunt who is a nurse that the supposedly safe flu vaccines a very rare but potential paralisis side effect which most people are unaware of. I'd just like to have all the information in front of me before I make a decision for my child. I mean if it turns out she could be infertal or somthing equally alarming I would like to know I had all the facts before I decided to go and do something I thought might help her. If someone could answer my questions or direct me to a more accurate description on possible side effects I would sure appreciate it.
I went to the Gardasil web site and downloaded the PDF file intended as prescribing information for doctors. On pages 10 - 12 you will find possible side effects including death. Statistics dictate that in any population of thousands, people do die (auto accidents as an example).
Paralysis can result from a needle damaging a nerve. This can even happen when a person donates blood due to incompetence.
yes give it to all
Of course, please give it to all!
It's clear - I believe that vaccination is a good idea and should be put into effect immediately.
I have HVP and have to go back to see my obgyn in a few days. If it's cancerous, what usually are the next steps? You don't have to be nice. Please be straight up with me....o.k.?
We're not doctors and we can't give medical advice. But I will say that only four of the many, many strains of HPV are linked to cancer. Generally, warts are treatable, and your OB/GYN will follow you closely now. It will be very important for you to get a Pap every year, or as often as your doctor recommends.
I can't answer your question about next steps if you have a strain of HPV associated with cancer. Every woman's body is different, the progression of disease varies, and every doctor favors a different treatment plan.
Have a frank conversation with your doctor. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. And then post back here and let us know how it goes, ok?
Cool
Hi,
Great article - good job! You are professional writer, it's very interesting when I reading it.
I question a society that does not challenge data and accepts what they are told as fact. Doesn't anyone question the hundreds of drugs and protocols are recalled/changed each year? Do you realize that zapping melanomas with electrical wires was standard dermatological practice in the 1920s? What about government use of Agent Orange? Knowing it would kill troops but get the job dones? Why is no one mentioning the fact that tampons are filled with bleach and other chemicals that are hazardous? Might this be the cause of cervical cancers? Have there been any studies to compare women who do not use tampons (in this country) to those who do? The oral polio vaccine was recalled, both of my children received it. In October the Wall Street Journal had a small article about the recall of a French meningitis vaccine. Think people. Everything that happens on this planet is because a deal is going down somewhere. The vaccine industry is trying to turn vaccines into a highly profitable venture. Our governments benefit because they don't have to worry about mass abscences from economic production. They are willing to sacrifice a few to save large chinks to the American economy. For anyone who would like to use their brains check out this site from the Canadian Women's Health Network about the dioxin in tampons. Dioxin...cancer...hmmm...
http://www.cwhn.ca/network-reseau/2-2/toxins.html
I have heard all that stuff on bleach in tampons. The thing is... are you going to stop wiping your bum? There is bleach in toilet paper too. There is bleach in many things that we use today to decontaminate the things used to make these products. It's a way to not pass on disease and other infections. I don't believe that cervical cancer is caused by tampons. Cervical cancer is seen mainly in women because they are the ones who go in for regular check-ups. Men do not until they hit 50. It's not seen in them unless tested specifically for it. I'm sorry to say... the best way for this to be controlled is if there is a vaccine for men... which is being tested now.
Cervical cancer is found in women because only women have cervixes. :)
But various other kinds of cancers, also linked to HPV infection, are found in both men and women. Right now, however, there is no test for HPV in men, so there's no way (short of developing warts) for men to know that they're infected, and the vaccine hasn't been approved (yet) for use in boys.
Getting girls vaccinated protects not only the girls themselves, but also their partners.
yess!!! finally!!! thank you so much, peace!!!
i think its a great idea!! every young girl should WANT to get a shot!.....cervical cancer and HPV which are both sexually transmitted diseases. Cervical cancer is the 2nd most caused deathes of women in the united states!!!!!! I am defiantly going to the doctor!
age:14
I think giving the vaccine to pre-teens would be more effective than allowing them to contract it later in life. HPV is the most common STD but I didn't find out about it until I contracted it from my partner. That's more of an awarness issue, but at least inform teens that this option is out there;because by doing so you are informing them of the risk of contracting the disease.
Of course, the decision is still their's; but by informing them on how easy it is to contract the virus and what it could possibly lead to will help them to make the right decision. It would have made a big difference in the decisions I made. Help make a difference in the lives of teens everywhere. What if it were your child??
Age 15
International health experts are calling for the immediate availability, and immediate price reductions, of the HPV vaccines (Gardasil, and Cervarix, which will be available in the US next year) for use in the developing world.
80% of cervical cancer deaths occur in the developing world, where more than 95% of women never have a cervical smear test (like a Pap). Cervical cancer is now the second most common female cancer, and the death rate is increasing. The vaccines could save 250,000 lives each year.
However, cultural taboos are likely to hinder vaccination of girls between 9 and 13 years old--the ideal target group. And the price--even if drug manufacturers can reduce the cost from $375 to about $10--is going to be a problem...
I ended up seeing the commericals for Gardasil and thought that it is an excellent idea and was going to talk to my dad about getting my 13 year old sister also vaccinated. After all the cancers that have run through my family, and my mom having cervical cancer, I'd really prefer not to take the risk and this vaccine is wonderful. The only problem? The price range. It's next to impossible to get at that range; even with insurance.
So, give it to people, give it to as an option to girls in schools as a vaccine. Just lower the price if they're really so worried about so many women contracting HPV.
Age: 18
I think that this shot may be a good thing. However my concern is that teen girls may take an attiude that they will be safe when they still have a chance of getting hpv.
I think a lot of parents worry about that. Who wouldn't?
There's no pharmaceutical substitute for education and communication. Kids still have to know your expectations, and they have to be fully informed of the consequences of their behavior.
Getting the Gardasil vaccine isn't a license to engage in risky sex, or sex at all, frankly. It doesn't prevent other STDs, and it only prevents some strains of HPV.
But since HPV can't even be tested for in men, and it can often have no symptoms at all, even people who are responsible in their sexual behavior can be at risk. And the consequences of picking up the infection, while sometimes very minor, also can be life-threatening, or even fatal.
My girls are too young for the vaccine right now. But I'm betting that by the time my oldest is 9, the vaccine will be part of the standard childhood vaccination roster. And I have no problem with that.
CNN has a thread about the HPV vaccine. You can see readers' comments, but they're amazingly similar to the comments here on Buzz.
I believe that this vaccine has great merit, but you all are missing the point. Many states are writing up bills tying this vaccine to a girls education. Some are even making it a misdemeanor to the parent if the child is not vaccinated. That is what I disagree with. It should be every parents right to get their child vaccinated if and when they believe it is best and not because of threats and requirements by governments. This is not the measles, mumps, or polio. Our daughters are not going to contract it because of who she drank after at the water fountain or who sneezed on her in class. She is not going to infect hundreds or thousands of her counterparts because she was just hanging out around them. HPV's are sexually transmitted. Why are our daughters educations being ransomed for a sexually transmitted disease. Why are governments and peditricians not spreading truthful information to parents so that they can make an honest decision. This should not be mandated. Government should try to provide honest information and perhaps subsidized vaccines so that all that CHOOSE to vaccinate can. We are intelligent people for the most part. So why do we feel it is a necessity to force our views on people we do not know and assume we know what is best for everyone. It should be each individuals choice, based on facts not a mandate by government. That is the real issue with this vaccine.
The Minnesota legislature is debating whether or not vaccination with the HPV vaccine should be mandatory. Gardasil was also the topic of the first hour of today's Midmorning broadcast on MPR. (2/19/07) Guests included:
Merck is putting on hold its lobbying campaign to make Gardasil vaccination mandatory.
Merck's medical director for vaccines, Dr. Richard M. Haupt, told the Associated Press:
The article continues,
(I should note, though, that the American Academy of Pediatrics supports broad use of the vaccine.)
The National Vaccine Information Center, a group of parents worried that vaccines harm some children, have been publicizing reports of side effects associated with Gardasil vaccination: dizziness and fainting in several dozen people.
While I, too, am uncomfortable with the amount of lobbying power big pharmaceutical companies have, and with reports of less-than-scrupulously-ethical clinical trials, I think that most of the fuss about Gardasil has to do with two factors: its price (completely unaffordable for a lot of people), and the fact that it protects GIRLS against a sexually transmitted disease.
If the vaccine was $150 cheaper and protected against a disease transmitted differently, I bet we wouldn't even be having this conversation.
The CDC, in response to charges made by the National Vaccine Information Center, said Wednesday (2/21) that no additional warnings are needed for the Gardasil vaccine.
According to the Associated Press article,
There also does not seem to be a worrisome association between the vaccine and Guillain-Barre syndrome, and there's no evidence that the vaccine isn't safe when given at the same time as other vaccines.
the article was pretty cool,but i didnt like the fact that the article was so short
> If the vaccine was $150 cheaper and protected against a disease
> transmitted differently, I bet we wouldn't even be having this
> conversation.
My objection has little to do with the way the disease is transmitted, and much more about the cost vs. benefits and the idea that some out-of-control legislators are thinking the State should require medical treatment of such dubious value and such non-trivial cost be forced upon children as a condition of attending public school.
While many news outlets like to simplify for their viewers, I'd like to make clear this vaccine does not immunize an individual against HPV infections, nor does it immunize an individual against cervical cancer.
This vaccine can protect a person from 4 particular HPV virus strains (there are over 60) that can, on occasion, cause genital warts which rarely, without detection or treatment, can lead to cervical cancer.
The cost of this modest protection is in the neighborhood of 7.6 billion dollars annually. This is serious money that should be used for purposes other than lining the pockets of executives at Merck.
The protection offered is from a condition that requires close and unprotected sexual contact that may lead to a condition that might lead to cancer.
If requiring the MMR vaccine is like legislating drivers wear a seatbelt, I put it to you that requiring Gardisil is like requiring everyone's clothing have a seat belt built in just in case they decide they'd like to drive.
If requiring a Polio shot is like requiring a construction worker to wear steel-toed boots and a hardhat, I say that requiring Gardisil is like legislating that everyone needs steel-toed boots and a hardhat just in case they might happen upon a construction site someday.
There is no way an HPV vaccine should be required to attend public school. Period.
Regarding the statement- "The protection offered is from a condition that requires close and unprotected sexual contact that may lead to a condition that might lead to cancer"
Actually, you cannot prevent HPV by using contraceptives. So unless you abstain from ALL sexual contact, you can still get this virus that "may lead to cancer".
"This vaccine can protect a person from 4 particular HPV virus strains (there are over 60) that can, on occasion, cause genital warts which rarely, without detection or treatment, can lead to cervical cancer."
Not true. Some of the strains cause genital warts. Others cause cell changes in the cervix, which can develop into cancer. Genital warts do not develop into cancer.
Time.com's post, "Saying Yes to the HPV Vaccine" made Digg. Lots of the usual comments can be found there if you like reading about HPV vaccinations.
I disagree.
This shot is possibly going to be mandated and I dont think its right. What are we teaching our society? that sex goes without consequences? This shot has also only been tested for 5 years. Whos to say that 10 years from now something bad could turn out from this shot. I don't think theres anything wrong with getting the shot if your sexually active or plan on being that way, but should it really be mandatory?
And people are saying the shot should be given at birth, which I STRONGLY disagree with.
this shot has not been tested on infants.!!!!!
I ended up seeing the commericals for Gardasil and thought that it is an excellent idea and was going to talk to my dad about getting my 13 year old sister also vaccinated. After all the cancers that have run through my family, and my mom having cervical cancer, I'd really prefer not to take the risk and this vaccine is wonderful. The only problem? The price range. It's next to impossible to get at that range; even with insurance.
So, give it to people, give it to as an option to girls in schools as a vaccine. Just lower the price if they're really so worried about so many women contracting HPV.
Age: 18
the article was pretty cool,but i didnt like the fact that the article was so short
i think that all teen-girls/woman 9-26 years of age should get the shot because it help prevent us from cervical cancer
Gov. Rick Perry's Executive Order RP65 should never have been stopped. The only reason it was is that the people stopping it are not educated of the consequences.
how long cant you have sex for after you have had the needle????????
we were told you could have sex that you won't be affected.
I just had the vacination I am 16 years old.
I feel dizzy and the arm i got it in feels paralized it hurts to move and I feel like pukeing.
When they put it in it was ok but when they injected the stuff it felt like they were messing around in my arm.
How can somthing to make you better and to prevent cancer make me feel so ill?
I believe that vaccination is a good idea and should be put into effect immediately!
can you have the needle if you have already had sex??????
Well, personally I think that the advertisement campaigns in promoting the sensibilisation of the youth are reaping out their fruit. However, like some of you said, some are so crudely done that they scare off, us teens...
The best solution is that each and everyone of us takes our one responsibility in our sexual lives. And above all, to share all our fears and knowledge about STD's in sites like this as I know that sex is still a taboo subjects in some communities.
So come guys, we are the future of tomorrow, let's unite our wisdom and knowledge to be more equipped for the future!
i agree with some of the younger girls still in school. I took life management but it was more of a class that told you to wait and talked about STD's and mainly how you get them. The only prevention choice was to just not have sex. which is effective but there was never a discussion about cervical cancer or prevention of that. I just found out about this vaccine one week ago when I visited my doctor. I suggest it for anyone and everyone. Better safe than sorry the only after effect was soreness for about 2-3 days and minor nausea. We need to make this information more available in school systems it's sad that some teens and pre teens don't know the seriousness of cervical cancer. It's prevention from cancer I highly recommend the HP V shot
Cervical cancer is found in women being as how at worst women waste cervixes. :)
But various inessential kinds of cancers, beside affiliated to HPV infection, are found in tete-a-tete men and women. Right now, however, there is no reword for HPV in men, so there's no way (concise of developing warts) for men to the particulars that they're charged, and the vaccination hasn't been highly touted (yet) for use in boys.
Getting girls vaccinated protects not part the girls themselves, but and all their partners.
I admit I belong to a group of skeptics. Prior to vaccination, would you mind making it clear to everyone about the side effects of this vaccine?
These vaccinations have been the focus of a large controversy for the last few months. How this is, I am not sure. I know that there are arguments that if teenagers get them, it would lead to more teenagers having sex. As if the vaccine is a license to have sex. How can this be an argument? This is a vaccine to help prevent cancer! I do not know how a single person that has a child could even try to argue against something that could help prevent their child from having a live threatening disease. When we are putting personal morals before the health of children, what does that say about us as a race? If we did not start putting health first, then we would not have any of the modern “magic” medical procedures such as organ transplants or pacemakers. We need to have some forward thinking when it comes to the health of a human being, especially a child.
A vaccine or cervical cancer is not on the mind of a teenager about to have sex , wether they have sex or not is not the issue. The issue is people not dying. In a nutshell its about morals, its about health
Linda Saether has an interesting post at CNN titled "Cervical cancer vaccine not a simple choice"
I understand where people are coming from with this vaccine but I can't see a real reason not to give it to your daughter. I mean she could get cancer people!! on top of that she would also have an STD and end up at some std dating site with some scum bag.....
I think vaccination is absolutely necessary and should be put into place immediately.
The most common side effect is soreness at the injection site. They say that when soreness happens at the injection site that means the vaccine is taking effect. But how long should this soreness last for it to be considered still normal?
Why does the Gardasil contain Polysorbate 80?
Cervarix does not.
Look it up. Just ask google about Bill Gates and other very wealthy persons intentions for our world.
"none so enslaved as those who wrongly believe they have freedom"
Good luck, try to have a bit of fun otherwise what's the point.
You know what else has polysorbate 80?
Ice cream.
And that's how they get you.
Serious.
In Europe and America, people eat about 0.1g of polysorbate 80 each day. Studies show no observable adverse effects at doses up to 1.85ml/kg of body weight, which is the equivalent of a 70kg person eating 140g of polysorbate 80 for 21 days straight. (Thank you, wikipedia.)
The Gardasil vaccine contains 0.00005g of polysorbate 80.
Polysorbate 80 isn't carcinogenic. And, as in all things, it's the dose that makes the poison. Sure: rats fed up to 20% of their body weight in polysorbate 80 over time showed increased infertility and lower birth weights for baby rats. But the dose in the vaccine is miniscule--much, much less than you're getting in your food every day.
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