Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for children
Vaccines & vaccinations guide
Did you know that doctors are now recommending that
girls as young as the age of ten be given the HPV vaccine? It is outrageous,
yet it is happening frequently. To take a good look at this issue, one needs
to understand what HPV is and why doctors feel children need the vaccine.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
is a contagious virus that is linked to at least half of the recorded cases
of cervical cancer. HPV is spread through sexual contact and there are no
warning signs. In at least 90% of all people who contact HPV, the virus
goes away without any issue. In others, it can lead to cervical cancer.
For this reason, the HPV vaccine is highly recommended to any sexually active
woman.
Statistics show that children as young as ten are becoming sexually active.
For this reason, a simple check-up is bringing up a serious question for
parents of those from the age of 10 to 16: Is my child sexually active?
Does she need the vaccine?
Most doctors are suggesting that a child receives the vaccine by the time
she reaches her twelfth birthday. The vaccine is potentially going to be
listed on the list of vaccinations that are required by state governments
before a child can start her school year.
To any sensible adult, a new problem appears. By telling a child that their
peers are sexually active and that we feel they may become so in the very
near future so they must have this vaccine, are we then giving a child permission
to become sexually active? It is a topic that is weighing heavily on many
parents' minds. Perhaps this is the time for parents to stand up and speak
their minds. |
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for children
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