Just what my school needs… another prick.
“The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.”
- George Eliot aka Mary Ann Evans
In the last two years, much has been made of BC offering HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccines as part of its regular vaccination schedule for grade 6 and 9 girls, which has been the case since September 2008. There are couple of major reasons folks are opposed to it, but first let’s go over what it is:
- HPV is a range of about 130 different types (or strains) of viruses.
- Of these 130, two strains are responsible for about 90% of the cases of genital warts; There are also about a dozen strains (2 of which are common) that cause most cervical cancers (and, less commonly, other genital cancers). There are NO strains that do both.
- Gardasil (the HPV vaccine in question) will immunize against those 4 “common” strains mentioned in point #2… which means it’ll cover against 90% of the cases of genital warts and 70% of the cases of cervical cancer. (approximately)
- In order to be effective, you must get the vaccine before you are infected with those strains. If you’ve already been exposed to one strain, the vaccine will still protect you against the others.
- Short-term research has shown that the vaccination has possible minor side effects and that no deaths have been linked directly to it.
- Long-term effects of the vaccination are still being studied, both for effectiveness and side effects.
- As a minor (under 19 years old), if you understand the risks and benefits, you may consent to or refuse immunizations regardless of your parent’s/guardian’s wishes. HOWEVER… smart money is still on discussing it with them and asking a medical professional any questions either of you may have. Especially if you have to continue living under their roof!
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Opposition to the vaccine
Side effects: While research has proven fairly conclusively that there have been NO serious illnesses or death directly resulting from the vaccination in the short term, it’s true that we don’t yet know whether there are long-term consequences to the vaccination… largely because its use is only a few years old. Currently, many countries around the world (with the exception of the US, where vaccinations are a particularly sticky issue) now have voluntary HPV vaccination as part of standard immunizations for girls… some for boys as well.
Earlier sexual activity: The other argument is that vaccinating young girls (especially before they become sexually active) will lead to a sense of immunity to sexually transmitted infections, which will in turn lead to earlier sexual activity. This belief (much like the belief that making birth control available to teenagers will lead to them having lots of sex) doesn’t necessarily hold water… In fact, surveys of girls in the UK who got the vaccine said they felt they were now more cautious, probably because of learning about HPV, the vaccine and other STIs made them more aware of the risks of sexual contact.
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Last note
Boys: You currently aren’t covered for an HPV vaccine, but it’s mostly because penile and anal cancer are far less common than cervical cancer. Most countries’ health agencies have decided the cost of the vaccination was only really worthwhile for girls. That being said, the vaccine is effective for men, preventing you from contracting the same 4 strains of HPV (so it could spare you genital warts, as well as preventing you from being a carrier).
Girls: Just because you got the jab doesn’t mean you can’t get cervical cancer. It’s in your best interests to start getting Pap tests once you start having sex, then annually thereafter… Talk to your doctor!
