Many questions have been raised about the moral issues of vaccinating young girls against a sexually transmitted virus. Common concerns include:
- Will it promote promiscuity?
- Are there unknown side effects?
- How do I talk to my daughter about a vaccine when she hasn't even learned about sex?
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions about the HPV vaccine. What parents need to know is that is their job to make an informed decision regarding vaccinating their child against HPV. Experts recommend that parents should research as much as possible about HPV, Gardasil, and cervical cancer. Through unbiased information sources, families can make an important health care decision without being influenced.
Talking to Your Daughter About the HPV Vaccine
Q. I haven't even talked to my daughter about sex yet. She is still playing with dolls! How does anyone expect me to tell her she needs to get a shot to prevent a virus she may get from having sex? I am not against her having the vaccine, but how do I talk to her when she is so young?What I like to ask most parents is if they discuss why their child needs the MMR or DTaP with their child when they get regular vaccinations. The answer is usually no. When children ask their parents why they need to get shots, the normal answer is to keep them healthy. The same can be with the HPV vaccine, and when your child is older, then you can discuss the HPV vaccine and the virus more in-depth. Or perhaps, you can just say that she needs the vaccine to prevent cancer.
Q. I am afraid that talking about the vaccine with my teen will make her think that having unprotected sex is OK. What can I do to make sure she doesn't think that the vaccine gives her a "free pass"?
Reiterating to your daughter that the HPV vaccine does not protect against pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases is very important. Your teen should be aware of benefits of having protected sex and the consequences of having unprotected sex. As a parent, it is your job to ensure she fully understands.
Q. At what age should I should talk to my daughter about HPV and the vaccine? When is too early? Unfortunately, there is no “magic” number. Each girl matures differently and some may be ready to learn about HPV before others. As a parent, you have to assess your child’s maturity level.
Many experts recommend talking to your children about sexually transmitted diseases when you teach your children about sex. You can incorporate information about HPV and the vaccine when discussing HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
If you have any doubts, you can always discuss the matter with your child's pediatrician. Hopefully, he knows your child well and can help determine when you child is ready to talk about sex.
Q. I don't feel comfortable talking to my child at all about sex or anything that is related to it. I know it is important, but I cannot bring myself to do it. What should I do?
Most parents feel some anxiety over talking to their child about sex. It is often a subject that children are ready to learn about, but parents aren't ready to discuss.
Talking to your child about sex is one of the most important discussions you can have with your child. It is important to find your comfort level in what you feel confident in talking to your child about. If you simply cannot talk to your child about sex, consider allowing someone else you trust to educate your child. This can be a doctor, a family member, or even a sex education program in school. Just because a parent doesn't feel comfortable shouldn't mean a child should go uneducated about sex.
Sources:
"FDA News." FDA Licenses New Vaccine for Prevention of Cervical Cancer. 08 JUN 2006. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01385.html .
"Patient Information About Gardasil." OCT 2006. Merck. 1 Nov 2006. http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil/gardasil_ppi.pdf
"Detailed Guide: Cervical Cancer." Key Statistics About Cervical Cancer. 04 AUG 2006. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_are_the_key_statistics_for_cervical_cancer_8.asp.
"National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet." Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer: Questions and Answers. 08 JUN 2006. National Cancer Institute.http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV.
