HPV Vaccine: Mandatory?

kddani · #1 02-05-2007, 07:08 AM

You don't even need to have sex in order to get HPV. The people who do "everything but" sex are just as able to get HPV. You don't need actual intercourse to transmit HPV.

What is also scary is that there's no real testing available for men, so men don't even know that they're carrying it.

jubilance1922 · #2 02-05-2007, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kddani

You don't even need to have sex in order to get HPV. The people who do "everything but" sex are just as able to get HPV. You don't need actual intercourse to transmit HPV.

What is also scary is that there's no real testing available for men, so men don't even know that they're carrying it.

I was just going to mention the bolded.

As for the "kids will have sex if the get the shot" logic...That has to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard. They are going to do it no matter how much you try to keep your kids in a vacuum, so at least let them armed with information and ways to stay safe and responsible.

Drolefille · #3 02-05-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kddani

You don't even need to have sex in order to get HPV. The people who do "everything but" sex are just as able to get HPV. You don't need actual intercourse to transmit HPV.

What is also scary is that there's no real testing available for men, so men don't even know that they're carrying it.

Exactly. And it's terrible to think about it happening to you or your children, but rape, molestation, etc. all happen. Even if HPV is the least of your worries in that situation, it's at least one thing you don't have to worry about.

The only reason I'd want this to be mandatory is that I'm afraid a lot of parents are taking the "my kids will have sex" tact... and avoid getting their kids this shot. My guess is that statistically these parents are the ones that kids are NOT going to openly talk about sex with and thus will not get the shot when they're ready to be sexually active. I do agree that it's probably too early in this medicine's life to require it.

PeppyGPhiB · #4 02-05-2007, 01:42 PM

I didn't say sex was the only way to get HPV, I said it is the leading cause. It is.

I just saw on the Today show that parents in Texas will be able to opt out of the vaccinations if they have reason. Religious beliefs and "parental beliefs" were two examples cited.

AlphaFrog · #5 02-05-2007, 01:44 PM

If they can opt out due to "parental beliefs", then to me, it's pretty much "highly suggested" not "mandatory".

33girl · #6 02-05-2007, 02:37 PM

But the thing is, the parents have to submit something and have it approved. Many parents are too lazy to do this. There are already parents who opt out of other kinds of vaccines because they (they personally, not their religion) don't believe in it and they're still considered mandatory.

Drolefille · #7 02-05-2007, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

But the thing is, the parents have to submit something and have it approved. Many parents are too lazy to do this. There are already parents who opt out of other kinds of vaccines because they (they personally, not their religion) don't believe in it and they're still considered mandatory.

If they're really concerned about the vaccine and/or its effect on the promiscuity of their children, etc. wouldn't they go through that trouble? Again, I tend to agree that this was a little early to require it, but if parents are doing their jobs they have the opportunity to say no.

<sarcasm>And if parents aren't doing their jobs, the kids should probably be vaccinated for anything and everything anyway. </sarcasm>

AlphaFrog · #8 02-05-2007, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

<not sarcastic>And if parents aren't doing their jobs, the kids should probably be vaccinated for anything and everything anyway. </not sarcastic>

I agree.

33girl · #9 02-05-2007, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

If they're really concerned about the vaccine and/or its effect on the promiscuity of their children, etc. wouldn't they go through that trouble? Again, I tend to agree that this was a little early to require it, but if parents are doing their jobs they have the opportunity to say no.

That's what I said. I just believe when it comes down to it, the majority of parents will say "whatever" and let them get the vaccine. We had the odd parent in our elementary school who was anti-fluoride tablets too. It's the same principle.