For those who have teenagers--HPV vaccine question

I admit I was a little nervous about this vaccine. My doctor who I see and my children see highly recommended it. I have built a relationship with her. She has five children of her own. She stated that as both a parent and a medical doctor she supported this vaccine. My DD has had all three doses. My son has had one so far. I plan to get him fully vaccinated as well.

was 3 doses for each of my kids, son had it done last year in grade 9. no adverse effects, no question on my part as to the worth of this vaccine. I was upset at first that it was only for girls, thought that was incredibly stupid, was very happy it is now for boys as well. Was going to pay to have my son vaccinated but it became part of the regular vaccine schedule before I had to.

Both of mine had it with no issues. I am a big believer in vaccinations. This one is a bit controversial though I guess.

My son is in the middle of the series. He has had 2 doses and will get the 3rd after the new year.

Yes.

My dd had the vaccine BEFORE she was a teenager. The ideal time to vaccinate is BEFORE they have any sort of viral contact, that means before they have any sort of sexual activity. Kind of hard to predict that.

And yes, it is given in many, if not most high income countries which means US, Canada, Australia, and various European countries. There are ongoing studies looking at ways to get the vaccines into third world countries as well. Right now, those that are getting it are receiving it through charity programs and grants and the like that are looking at methods of distribution.

Keep in mind that we are very spoiled generation due to the development of pap smears which allowed the discovery of precancerous lesions and early treatable cancers. Cervical cancer death rates decreased by about 70% once the pap smear was introduced in the late 1950's. It was also a disease that was not spoken of in that era and, really until very recently. So, we have an illusion that it's something we don't need to protect our kids from. It's just an illusion.

I feel bad for those in my daughter's generation and younger who end up facing cervical cancer because their parents did not think it was important enough. In my field, this vaccine has already changed practices and there has already been a demonstrable decrease in HPV related issues.