Women’s Health

Facts not fear should guide our decisions about the HPV vaccine

Maureen H. McDonnell, BS,RN

Of course we want to protect our children and ourselves against the most common sexually transmitted disease:  Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that an estimated 20 million Americans are now infected with.   Unquestionably if the body does not clear it, this virus can turn into a persistent infection which can lead to the development of genital warts and or cervical (as well as other types of) cancer.   However, the question some of us are asking is: without long term safety studies, why is the vaccine to prevent HPV now being recommended (and in some states mandated) for all 11 year old girls and boys?   Many of us are also wondering if vaccines are always the safest, best and only way to prevent the spread of infections. [click to continue…]

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