HPV Vaccine: Mandatory?

KSig RC · #1 02-21-2007, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueangel

TRENTON, N.J. -- Pediatricians, gynecologists and even health insurers all call Gardasil, the first vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, a big medical advance.

But medical groups, politicians and parents began rebelling after disclosure of a behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign by Gardasil's maker, Merck & Co., to get state legislatures to require 11- and 12-year-old girls to get the three-dose vaccine as a requirement for school attendance.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/busine...r_Vaccine.html

Perhaps it's the "Gen Y" in me, but I see absolutely no problem with lobbying for your product - how is this different from lobbying against taxes on your product (see: alcohol, tobacco, gasoline), or lobbying for increased regulation that benefits one product over another (cell phones, cable TV, etc)?

I say this realizing that your visceral response is, at least in part, due to your desire to reduce government involvement in your decision-making process - which I understand, but until lobbying efforts are outlawed or correctly regulated, I can't fault someone for playing by the rules.

Especially when I fully support the theory behind the vaccination in question.

blueangel · #2 02-21-2007, 01:07 PM

I said it all weeks ago on Page 2 of this thread regarding the "true" agenda of this drug. It's not about saving lives, it's about greed and $$$... and brainwashing the public. Otherwise, why would this mad rush for laws when we don't even know the side effects yet? What's the big emergency? The vaccine has only been approved by the FDA for a few months. Too many unknowns.

valkyrie · #3 02-21-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Especially when I fully support the theory behind the vaccination in question.

Lobbying issues aside, even if you support the theory behind the vaccine, what does it have to do with school -- why should it be required for school attendance?

KSig RC · #4 02-21-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valkyrie

Lobbying issues aside, even if you support the theory behind the vaccine, what does it have to do with school -- why should it be required for school attendance?

I'm not saying I unilaterally support requiring the vaccine on the state (or federal) level - just that I don't fault the company for lobbying states to require it. The reason to be in business is to make a profit - just because the vaccine will probably help people, this does not mean the company can't be profit-oriented.

I think, realistically, the only way to 'require' a vaccine is through the schools, similar to MMR or etc, so that's really the only connection in my mind . . . although I don't think it is really similar to MMR, which are used to prevent 'outbreak' throughout a school. However, if the ultimate goal is to eliminate some of these strands of HPV (like polio), then requiring the vaccine in this fashion might be the only way. Salt to taste.

PM_Mama00 · #5 02-21-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSig RC

I'm not saying I unilaterally support requiring the vaccine on the state (or federal) level - just that I don't fault the company for lobbying states to require it. The reason to be in business is to make a profit - just because the vaccine will probably help people, this does not mean the company can't be profit-oriented.

I think, realistically, the only way to 'require' a vaccine is through the schools, similar to MMR or etc, so that's really the only connection in my mind . . . although I don't think it is really similar to MMR, which are used to prevent 'outbreak' throughout a school. However, if the ultimate goal is to eliminate some of these strands of HPV (like polio), then requiring the vaccine in this fashion might be the only way. Salt to taste.

Ok. So remove the penis and you now have a va-g-g. How would you feel about the vaccine being mandatory?

I agree about the school thing tho. If they're going to make it mandatory, I guess going the school route is the best way for THEM to do it... Not that I agree.

Drolefille · #6 02-21-2007, 07:41 PM

I feel the same way about it as KSig RC does though. And *checks* yeah, still female.

KSig RC · #7 02-21-2007, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PM_Mama00

Ok. So remove the penis and you now have a va-g-g. How would you feel about the vaccine being mandatory?

Did you read my post?

I don't support it being mandatory - I support the company's right to use the system to their advantage. I also noted that making it "mandatory" would likely require using school enrollment, at least if it were to be mandatory for girls ages 11-12:

Quote:

Originally Posted by PM_Mama00

I agree about the school thing tho. If they're going to make it mandatory, I guess going the school route is the best way for THEM to do it... Not that I agree.

... Which you apparently gleaned - so wtf happened?

UGAalum94 · #8 02-21-2007, 09:08 PM

I don't support in being mandatory although I think it's a great idea. I think we should try to make sure it's available to everybody who wants it and is likely to benefit from it.

But I don't think it should be tied to school attendance. Most if not all of the vaccines required for school attendance are for diseases that could be transmitted at school. As crazy as the stories coming out about middle school are these days, I don't think HPV is likely to be transmitted at school.

I'm all about Merc advertising and seeking subsidies from the gov't to make sure the vaccine is distributed. I've got a lot of trouble with them lobbying governors to make executive orders or legislators to make in mandatory for school. In fact, I don't think I'd reelect an official who took this decision away from the individuals.

There are ways we can promote good behaviors without mandating non-academic things for school.

DolphinChicaDDD · #9 02-22-2007, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga

As crazy as the stories coming out about middle school are these days, I don't think HPV is likely to be transmitted at school.

Maybe the transmission itself might not occur at school, but it will occur as the result of being in school. In my short time teaching, I've had 2 pregnant 7th graders and 1 pregnant 8th grader. That was in one school alone (with a population of about 75 students per grade.) I won't even touch high school...or the "my friend has weird bumps...what should she do" type STDs that I got asked about (love being the bio teacher.) No, not all middler schoolers are off having sex, but some are and most are off performing sexual acts. In my opnion (read: opnion based on my experiences) middle schoolers who are engaged in behavior not suitable for their age are more likely to not use protection because they have less access to it and believe nothing will happen to them.

I'm still torn on the issue of manditory vaccination. I'm debating it with myself right now. I certianly believe it should be on the reccommended list.

kddani- I've had the first dose of the vaccine, so far I'm still alive with no side effects either. No sore arm either...the only complaints my doc had were sore arms, so now she does a shot in the butt, a la babies. More fat= less likely to be sore, according to her.

PM_Mama00 · #10 02-21-2007, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSig RC

Did you read my post?

I don't support it being mandatory - I support the company's right to use the system to their advantage. I also noted that making it "mandatory" would likely require using school enrollment, at least if it were to be mandatory for girls ages 11-12:

... Which you apparently gleaned - so wtf happened?

I did read it. I meant to put that my question was geared towards men who support this. My bad

blueangel · #11 02-22-2007, 12:45 AM

Still think this mandatory vaccine law is about saving lives? Or is it about $$$'s and political favors?

It is now being disclosed that Gov. Rick Perry's chief of staff met with key aides about Gardasil the SAME DAY that the drug company made a donation to his campaign. Kinda makes you go hmmmmmm:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...h/4571571.html

And.. the first glimmer of side effects is starting to come to light... mostly faintings and nausea.. but there have been some cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. All of these side effects are currently being played down... but ....Stay tuned.. my crystal ball predicts this is only the beginning. Remember, this vaccine has only been out for a few months. This is why I have always taken a "wait and see" position on this vaccine. My question is .. why the rush?

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/...8NEDRCG0.shtml

And.. for those who are interested (I know that some of you think the NVIC is prejudiced)-- I'm also providing a link to a story in a global medical news service which provides the NVIC's findings on the side effects so far.

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=22085