HPV Vaccine: Mandatory?

[UGAalum94]

Yeah, I don't like the government deciding it for you either.

And I agree that the efforts the Merck put into lobbying for making the vaccine mandatory are a little bit creepy and intrusive too.

(I've go no problem with them generally promoting the vaccine and the link between HPV and cancer, but I draw the line at their lobbying states to compel people to purchase and use their product.)

If it turns out that the vaccine will do what Merck hopes that it will, it's a move forward in women's health, and I hope that girls get vaccinated.

[AGDee]

As soon as I heard about this vaccine I figured I would make sure my daughter got it before she "needs" it. Ideally, I'd prefer to wait for a couple years to see how it pans out long term though. I can confidently say she's not having sex yet because she's very open with me right now about that stuff.

However, I am opposed to the government requiring that she have it to attend school. I agree that it makes sense with highly infectious diseases such as the MMR, etc., but I think this one should be a parent's decision, not the government's. It's a matter of principle, not related to this particular vaccine.

If it's going to cost parents up to $900 to get the series, then that brings up a whole different problem because that's a hefty chunk of change for the government to require us to pay. Only the rich and well insured get to go to school then? It seems too similar to other government requirements.. they put the requirements in place, but don't fund it.

[Drolefille]

Regarding the cost. Our health dept. is offering the shots for 21 dollars total. 7 dollars per shot. I cannot imagine that a city of 100,000 is offering it at a ridiculous discount. Don't go to your doctor for vaccinations if you're going to have to pay for them out of pocket. My Dr. recommended me to the health dept. for my meningitis vaccine so I wouldnt' pay crazy amounts for it.

Oh and don't go to biased websites for your information either... talk to your doctor about it.

[AchtungBaby80]

I don't think I agree with the HPV vaccination being mandatory to attend school, but on the other hand, I think that when people are told it's "optional" they'll think it's just not something they should bother with. Even with all the attention this shot has been getting lately, a lot women I know still think it's no big deal--it's just like everything else, they think they won't get HPV because they don't "sleep around" or "they're careful." Well, guess what...HPV is very, very common. Actually getting cervical cancer from an HPV infection is rare, yes, but how do they know they won't be in that small but unlucky percentage? They don't. And you don't actually have to have sex sex with someone to contract HPV, so they may think they're "safe" when they're actually not. It really sucks that Gardisil is so damn expensive, because obviously the cost is going to deter a lot of people who can't afford it or don't have insurance, and that's really unfortunate. This is a chance to possibly avoid getting cancer, for crying out loud, not to mention all the unpleasant stuff that goes along with treating problems caused by HPV. It ain't a picnic, believe me. I honestly feel that the decision on whether or not to get the vaccine should be left up to the parents and/or young ladies themselves instead of mandated by the government, but I also wish there was a way to impress on people just how important this is so they'll take it seriously.

[blueangel]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Oh and don't go to biased websites for your information either... talk to your doctor about it.

And doctors aren't biased? Have you seen the junkets and incentives given to doctors by the drug companies?

The best thing to do is research for yourself and to read, read, read and then read some more.