Why your children should get the HPV vaccine — and why they should get it early

If there’s something we can do to prevent our children from getting cancer, we should do it. Plain and simple. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that youth be vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus, starting as young as 9 years old. Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, is the leading cause of cervical cancer. It can cause other cancers as well in both men and women, and is the cause of genital warts. The vaccine, which is given as three doses over 6 months, is very effective. And yet, some parents don’t want me to give the vaccine, especially when their children aren’t teenagers yet. Here’s what seem to be the two biggest reasons: They worry the HPV vaccine is not safe. There are lots of rumors about problems with the HPV vaccine. While it’s certainly true that side effects are possible from any medical treatment, including vaccines, the HPV vaccine has been extensively studied, and is felt to be safe. The most common side effects are dizziness, nausea, fever, headache or pain where it is injected. Sometimes people faint after getting the vaccine, but this can be prevented by sitting or lying down for a few minutes after getting it. It’s of course important that parents ask questions and learn about vaccines and other medical treatments before giving them to their child. But it’s particularly important that the information be from a good source. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lots of information about side e...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Health & Wellness In the News Parenting Teen Health Claire McCarthy HPV vaccine sexually transmitted disease Source Type: news