While an anonymous writer for the organization Advocates of Youth presents clear and compelling claims promoting human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination for girls, the writer fails to consider the important point of vaccinating boys as well. Therefore, a more accurate conclusion is vaccinating all youth.
Men can also be a carrier of HPV. Typically, there are no signs or symptoms. It can cause penis, anus, and oropharynx cancer. Oropharynx is the back of the mouth and upper part of the throat. Currently there is no testing for HPV in males as there is for females.
There are well over 100 types of HPV, forty of which are sexually transmitted. There are two vaccines on the market today, Gardasil and Cervarix. Gardasil protects against four strains of HPV. It has been on the market since 2006. It offers protection for two strains of HPV that cause about 70% of cervical cancer and two strains that cause 90% of genital warts. Cervarix hit the market in 2008 and protects against only two strains of HPV. The two strains of protection are against cervical cancer only.
The vaccination approved for girls and young women, Gardasil, has now been approved by the FDA to protect boys and young men as well. Vaccination is recommended starting at age 11 through the age of 26.
My son was curious as to what his sister had to get a shot for and I explained the importance of the vaccination, Gardasil. He read a hand-out from the doctor’s office and actually came to me to ask if he could get the same shot. We talked to the doctor and were all in agreement. I talk to my children about the importance of abstinence, but, I feel it is my job as a parent to offer any protection that will guard them from a possible life-threatening virus. My daughter who is 14 has been vaccinated and my son who is 12 was vaccinated about seven months ago.
