HPV Vaccine - Olympia,WA

First let me say that I am a registered nurse with 25+ years of experience, including time in the pharmaceutical research industry. Both of my kids had everything recommended, until this vaccine. So as one of the other's posted, I'm not anti-vaccine, just anti-THIS vaccine.

When my now 16 year old was just 11, our doctor at the time, all but insisted she receive the HPV vaccine JUST 2 MONTHS after it had been approved. Because it was so new, and I had a few reservations about it anyway. When I politely declined, this doctor just went off on me, IN FRONT of my daughter. I left there madder than a hornet and set out to find out as much as I could about this vaccine. I have spoken to many groups and even been on a local radio show discussing this issue.

I won't get into all the politics behind this vaccine or the hot-button issues but just state facts as I found them when I did my research.
-It has not been well researched. As someone said the longest anyone was followed was 4 years and that was with the adult subjects. The only 1500, 9-16 year old girls (yes 9 year olds) were only followed 18 months.
-There were 12,000 women from 13 different countries who participated in the original studies. Most of those countries do not or have not adopted the pap smear as a routine screening which has decreased the cervical cancer risk in the US by 75%
-The placebo used in the initial studies had an aluminum base instead of a saline base which is usually standard. There are a ton of health issues associated with aluminum. So by having a placebo with such additives can give the impression that the actual vaccine is safer than it really is since people will react to the placebo as well.
-There are over 100 HPV strains this only covers 2 that are LINKED to NOT CAUSE cervical cancer. The other 2 strains are against cervical warts which do NOT lead to cervical cancer.
-Most of us have been exposed to and have even had an HPV strain in our lives. But 90% of us will clear the virus on our own, with a healthy immune system and never know we've had it.
-And because most of us have already had a strain, unless doctors are doing HPV screening prior to ever vaccination they give, the shots may be worthless. Or even worse, I think the statistic is they have seen a 45% increase in women with one of the strains AFTER the vaccine, because they probably had the strain prior to getting the vaccine.
-We do not know the long term side effects or the cumulative effects of years and years of getting this vaccine. If my 11 year old would have gotten the series then, it only lasts 4-5 years so she'd have had the set again by now. Just because she had no side effects at the time of injection, arthritis and miscarriage was very high in the study groups. And are continuing to be seen now.
-There are almost 90 deaths being reported as linked to the HPV vaccine and more than 25,000 significant events.
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I could go on and on with just the facts, and still stay away from the politics. But the politics are very significant as well.

Google, Dr. Diane Harper. She was on the original research team and has been very vocal that yes this vaccine has it's place but not with the little girls it's being marketed to.

For me and my family, we chose to to stay away from this one. Even though I have very strong opinions and I feel have done my research, I support my friends to make the decisions they feel best for their family.

Oh, and even as a nurse I have never had a flu shot, ever. Nor has anyone in my family. Not even the H1N1.

13 moms found this helpful

I have 3 daughters. I will not get this vaccine for any of them. If they choose to get it when they are adults that is their choice. The fact is, this is a very dangerous vaccine. More girls die or have a serious adverse reaction to this vaccine than do that die from cervical cancer. In fact the number that die from the vaccine is almost double the ones that die from cervical cancer. Read this article: http://vaccineresistancemovement.org/?p=7579%3F156867e0%3....
I am not willing to play russian roulette with my child's life.

Lisa

10 moms found this helpful

If I had a daughter I'd have her take this vaccine as soon as she could. Regardless when she becomes sexually active it would be nice for her not to have to worry about this particular potential for cancer.
This vaccine wasn't recommended for boys till recently but now that it is, I'll have my son vaccinated at his next checkup. It will be great if he never becomes a carrier.
My grandmother on my fathers side died at 39 from cervical cancer before I was born. My Mom named me after her. Sure cancer treatments were different in the 50's than they are now, but it was a particularly painful death and she was in constant pain for over 2 years.
What's so positive about keeping the potential for contracting HPV?
Most parents get upset at the idea that someday their kids will be sexually active. This 'my child is not having sex' attitude is just shoving your head in the sand. They will someday. Hopefully it will be after they've grown, got an education, have a job (and after they've got married) - but some kids have sex way before that - some at 12. If they're vaccinated at 9 or 10 - they are covered whether it comes in handy 2 year or 10 years later.
Additional:
"MYTH: Aluminum in vaccines is just as toxic as mercury.
FACT: Aluminum, the most common metal in nature, is perfectly safe in small amounts. (A dose of antacid has about 1,000 times as much as a vaccine does.) Aluminum salts are used in vaccines to increase antibody response. They make it possible to use less vaccine less often."

10 moms found this helpful

No, and I've had surgery for pre-cancerous HPV cells in the past. I don't feel due diligence has been done on this vaccine and my kids are not going to be the lab rats. Previous poster mentioned if those who rejected this rejected H1N1 - yep, we didn't do that one either, same reasons.

7 moms found this helpful

E.---Please go to www.nvic.org to learn more about the pros and cons of this vaccine.

This vaccine is new enough that long term results of receiving it are not yet known. I work with a Naturopath who has her PhD in Nutrition who bases her advice on long term research. And there is no long term research to show that this is safe...or even needed. This vaccine 'covers' 3 of over 100 viruses that can cause cervical cancer. Most cases of HPV infections resolve on their own without progressing to full-blown cervical cancer. The most effective and important way to prevent cervical cancer is regular screening and an optimal diet. Diet will insure a strong immune system, one that is able to resolve the virus on it's own.

I have a number of articles concerning the use of the HPV vaccine. I would be happy to share them with you so that you can make a fully informed decision. Keep in mind...doctors are very important but they don't know everything. They are so busy that much of what they learn comes from manufacturers...do you think they are unbiased? Not likely. But, that's my opinion. You should do lots of research and make your own.

Be sure to check out the website. Good luck with your decision. And, if you would like to know how to build and maintain a strong, balanced and effective immune system, I can help there too. I am taking classes taught by the Naturopath. I've got lots of good info. Be well, D.

7 moms found this helpful

I have been very good with getting all the required vaccines for daughter (now 16) .

HOWEVER, we refused the HPV vaccine. TOO new for our comfort level, TOO many horror stories we've heard. I was flabbergasted when our Governor made it mandatory shortly after it came out. I like Rick Perry but I believe that was a wrong decision..... He did retract that, thankfully.

My personal opinion is..... People who get routine preventative care (yearly checks, etc) do not necessarily "need" the HPV. I can see why someone would choose the HPV IF they do not have routine preventative care.

My daughter was involved in the decision.... it is her body not mine.

My Ob/Gyn and our pedi declined to get it for their daughters. That put a lot of weight on our decision as well.

For the record, we do not do flu, H1N1, etc shots either.

7 moms found this helpful

No way, ever. You got some very good responses about the negatives of this vaccine. One thing they found with a similar-idea vaccine (pneumonoccal I believe it is called, for babies to prevent against 7 of the most common childhood illnesses that are carried in the nasal passage), is that while it did protect against those particular diseases, what the researches didn't know is that there are many more and worse diseases carried in the nasal passages. All of a sudden, these very dangerous and more potentially deadly viruses started emerging in babies. The 7 that were being vaccinated against were actually much safer to get, and warded off the other diseases.
Also, one of the side effects of this vaccine is narcolepsy. There was another post about that today, which is what reminded me of it.
And, aluminum is very dangerous for us. Yes, it is all over the place. We may not think we are being effected by it because we don't see the effects today. However, one of the major side effects is the development of Alzheimer's. All those years of exposure chews up the brain. Things aren't always apparent today. Sometimes it takes decades for us to see the effects of these poisons on our bodies.
Truly, for those who are going to be sleeping around, there are consequences to pay. God will not be mocked. You will reap what you sow. It may be cancer, it may be STDs, it may be the side effects that are caused by the vaccine you chose to take so that you can live a life that is mocking God's laws. But, there are consequences. I hate death, cancer, broken relationships. They are all part of the fall. It is part of this life on earth. I think our best option is to live a life that is pure and just as much as we are able. And, teach our children to live this way.

6 moms found this helpful

My daughters are grown now but I WOULD NOT have had them vaccinated if it was around then. People are too fast to jump on the band wagon. It only helps prevent a few types of cancer not all. It is too new and there could be long term side effects and complications later on.

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Yes, I gave it to my daughter when she was 15 or 16. Didn't hesitate, because I've had surgery for cervical precancer because of HPV.

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Hell to the no! For all the reasons others listed and more. And I've had cervical cells removed for hpv also. My friends daughters got SO sick after the first one, she won't get it again either!

6 moms found this helpful

I have two boys (8 and 11) and one daughter (now 25)...i vaccinate with the traditional items - but if the HPV had been out when my daughter was 9 or 10 I would have said KISS MY BUTT! NOT ONLY NO! BUT HELL NO!!!!

5 moms found this helpful

My daughter had her HPV shots 2 years ago. Cervical Cancer is real and nasty and something I do not want my child to get. I know it does not protect from all form of Cervical Cancer but this protection is better than nothing. Also my neice had hers as well. I was warned by someone we know that this shot may turn her into an harlot LOL omg what a bunch on non sense LOL. Nope she is not. No boy friend and no sex yet.

5 moms found this helpful

Both of my girls had the three shot series. Oldest by 17 and my now 13 year old was 11. I asked our wonderful family doctor as many questions as I could. My husband and I felt we would vaccinate them. They had no side effects whatsoever. I feel better knowing I may have protected them from this terrible disease. We also are a very open family and have numerous discussions on abstinence and safe sex practices

Updated

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i would not consider giving this vaccine. the first release of it resulted in nightmare death and injury. it has NOT been sufficiently studied and tested, and its benefits far too narrow and unreliable.
i'm not anti-vaccine.
but i'm very very anti- THIS vaccine.
khairete
S.

5 moms found this helpful

This vaccine does not prevent cancer. It just prevents a handful of the many, many strains of HPV. Not worth the risks to me. I get the Dr. Sears newsletters, and within the first year of the release, several girls had died from heart complications after getting the vaccine. And our great governor of TX tried to make it mandatory for all school girls. Please. Why? It is not like they're spreading STD's at school!

Btw- my friend's mother died of cervical cancer when we were 19. She knows enough about the disease. Her mother contracted one of the forms of HPV which led to the cancer. Even SHE finds this vaccine obnoxious and is not going to give it to her daughter.

5 moms found this helpful

We have already experienced some of the side effects of this vaccine and I stopped at the first shot with my now 13 year old. My 15 year old has had them and I am now very sorry.
My new pediatrician says NO WAY!! She gives out every other vaccine but not this one.

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Absolutely not . . .

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My kids got the "school mandated" vaccines, nothing additional including HPV. The longest study on this vaccine is 4 years - too soon to tell if it actually gives any protection, so I feel it's not worth the risk. No other vaccine for children is for a std, they're for diseases you catch from being in close contact with others. I would prefer safe sex as a way of preventing possible hpv. The vaccine doesn't prevent cancer, it prevents some forms of hpv, which if contracted may in some cases lead to cancer. I myself am a cancer survivor and do not find this vaccine worth the risk.

4 moms found this helpful

I will certainly have it given to my sons when their doctor says they're old enough. The first target was girls and young women, but now they are recommending it for boys since they DO spread HPV and can contract it. My kids are still really young, so they most likely won't be getting it for some years. I actually need to read up on the recommendations for boys/young men and the vaccine, because I haven't had to take them to the doctor since they announced that boys should start receiving it too. HPV is ugly and cancer-causing. If I can help keep my boys from getting something like that by using a vaccine, I certainly will! If I had been young enough to take it when it came out (I think it was for women up to age 26) I would have gotten it. HPV not only causes cervical cancer, but anal cancer too!

4 moms found this helpful

Yes, my children had the series. Both my daughter and my son. They are giving it to boys too.
Anything that might prevent cancer? I'm in.
LBC

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My daughter just turned 12 and she will be getting it along with her other shots in a couple of weeks. My reasons are because she will already be getting other shots so there won't need to be a big discussion about what she's getting and what that shot is for. I've known too many young women who've had to go thru months and YEARS of extra paps and biopsies and scares - 2 of them were young enough that their doctors still had them get the shot. Right now I feel like she's too young to make that decision and by the time she is old enough to it may be too late. My friend's husband (her daughter is 6 months older) was adamant she NOT get it. She had her get it anyways with her other shots and then found out her insurance didn't cover it! So won't be getting the rest. I'm not naive enough to believe that she may not make poor choices or that she may trust someone who unfortunately spreads it to her!

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Yes it was just cleared for boys within the last year.
I plan on getting mine hers.
You never know what your partner might do. I waited a couple of years as well.

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My daughter was 15 when it came out. I explained to her what HPV is and its connection to the possibility of developing cervical cancer later in life, and told her that she could decide whether she wanted it or not. She opted not to take it.

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Hi E.

I have spoken to my girls regarding this vaccine...(youngest is 14 now)...and we have decided to hold off for now...I am always a bit wary of ANY new drug or vaccine for a few years. I did use our talks as an opportunity to discuss abstinence/monogamy and safe sex...and that while this vaccine may protect from a particular cancer, that there are other insidious diseases that remain communicable.

I was not aware that 'young men' were receiving this vaccine...will call doc on that! If so...will talk with my sons as well...

Take Care
michele/cat

3 moms found this helpful

E., I got my older son the HPV series. It is a gift to him and his future wife.

I hope that by the time my younger son is old enough for the series, that the insurance will pay for it. (Mine doesn't currently pay for boys, though now the vaccine is given to boys.)

Cancer is cancer, no matter whether or not it has to do with sex. I cannot control who my son's wives sleep with before they marry my sons. (And my sons can't control who their wives sleep with before they marry. It goes both ways. As parents, we cannot force our children's mates to be virgins until they marry.) But I can help protect my sons from genital warts and penile cancer by getting them the vaccine.

All my best to you!
D.

3 moms found this helpful

Hi E., my daughter got the HPV last year. She was 12. It's actually two shots (was for us anyway) that you can spread out as far as you like.

My kids have never had any problems with vaccs. They are all fully vaccinated including chicken pox, and found out last year NYS also requires all entering college freshman to show proof of the menningitis vaccs.

:)

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I decided not to give my daughter the vaccine. I gave her all her vaccines during the first 5 years of her life and I have found out too much information about them to want any more. But the HPV is different. I will not give it to her because I will teach her abstinence. When she is 18 she can get it if she wants, but I believe if she is taught well, (a lot of parents drop the ball) and informed about the consequences if she chooses not to wait. - Just one mom's opinion.

3 moms found this helpful

My sons will get the HPV vaccine.

If you have two sex partners in your life, you run about a 75% chance of contracting HPV. It's that epidemic. For some people, that means measly warts. For others, that means life-ending cancer.

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i have not read the other posts yet, so sorry if this is similar to the others. I do plan on having my daughter at the very least (step sons if their mother will agree to it) vaccinated. I want my daughter vaccinated because pre cancerous conditions run in my family. I want to do what i can to avoid another. I don't plan on using this as her sole protection against it, she will be told about stds and how to protect herself and all of that. But i am HPV free and i still had dysplasia and almost had to have surgery for it. So i will do what i can to prevent that for my daughter.

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My daughters had it around age 16. If you're considering this, one suggestion. My girls had heard from friends that this injection site was very painful afterwards. The nurse (one we've known & trusted for years) said it should always be administered in the upper thigh, not the upper arm, to minimize the discomfort. Sure enough, my girls had no ache or pain (beyond the obvious initial pinch) and when they asked their friends, found they'd received it in the arm.

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I don't want to weigh in on the vaccine debate but I did let my 12 year old daughter have this. So many responses were, it is too new and has side effects. So, it makes me wonder did the same people give the H1N1 vaccine to your children when it first came out 2 years ago?? It was new and side effects are unknown. Just curious... and no, we didn't do the H1N1 vaccine and likely ever won't. We also have never done a flu vaccine and likely won't.