The Truth About the HPV Vaccine

Gardasil Vaccine Dallas | HPV Dallas | Richardson Pediatrics

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The vaccine for the Human Papilloma Virus, (HPV), is one of the safest and most effective vaccines science has ever developed. There are two FDA approved vaccines, Gardasil and Ceverix.  The Gardasil is approved for females and males, and the Ceverix only for females. What you say? MALES ?  Yes they get genital warts and are vectors for the virus. Also the HPV virus is the leading cause of head and neck cancers in males. The vaccine presently doesn’t have a cancer prevention indication in males, but HPV also causes genital and anal cancers in men. These vaccines can be given from 9 years to 27 years  of age. The vaccines are now being tested in older women.

Unfortunately the media has created unfounded fear and skepticism in the general public. The Governor Rick Perry fiasco did little to quell the  already misunderstood HPV vaccine. Truth be known, Texas has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the U.S. and if the vaccine was mandated ,then the under-served and medicaid patients would also have access to this very costly vaccine through the subsidized government vaccine program. However due to the fact that HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, caused great unrest and rebellion. Sadly, misinformation is difficult to undo. The virus is so highly contagious that one doesn’t have to have sexual intercourse to be infected. Close intimate contact is all that is necessary.

The side effects are minimal and usually cause only pain from the injection and soreness at the site. Once again, the media has over blown the possibility of fainting ,since this frequently happens with any vaccine given to adolescents.

Pediatricians and Gynecologists highly recommend the HPV vaccine. The safety profile is strong and the risks pale when compared to the risks from the HPV virus. The vaccine is not new and has been used in Europe for over a decade.

Please be informed and consult reliable information sources to make the best decision for your child or adolescent regarding this very important vaccine.