All right, so one of the reasons I want to blog is to start healthy debate. So BE NICE, respect other people's opinions, but tell me what ya think!
Today's Question: To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? Specifically the Gardasil vaccine. The vaccine is being offered to my oldest daughter this year. The things I'm interested in hearing about are: 1. Is it responsible parenting to vaccinate your daughter against an STD? 2. The vaccine has only been proven to be effective for 5 years, is it stupid to vaccinate at 10-years old when there is no proof it will last longer? Chat amongst yourselves...
I think this kinda goes back to what we were saying about the Rihanna/Eminem video. I think the shot is a good idea just in case she does decide to be active early (knock on wood it doesn't happen), but it needs to go hand in hand with a conversation with her parents about what the shot is, why she's getting it, and the whole 'birds and bees' thing really. Did that make sense?
ReplyDeleteI can't see how it could hurt. Yes, it is a little un nerving to give a 10 year old an STD vaccination but it's always better to be safe than sorry. I remember when my mom put me on birth control when I was 14. I was no where near interested in sex but she explained to me that you just never know what will happen. Even though you may not want it, there are people out there that will just take it. So in that aspect I think absolutely it's a good idea.
ReplyDeleteKorri
Im too on the fence due to the side effects and lack of study, but im not afraid of vaccines and know they can be great. But since I am not 100% sure, its a no for now.
ReplyDeletePeople say that vaccines are linked to Autism and as you know, I have a child with Autism. I don't believe that personally, I believe it to be genetic. But that my dear, is a whole other conversation!
I am on the fence about it too. I have already had my girls vaccinated for all the normal child-hood diseases so although I understand the debate about the link to Spectrum Disorders, I think we've managed to avoid that. However I am wondering, do I talk to her about it now so she knows right away? Do I wait till we have the whole "safe-sex" talk? Do I stick my head in the sand and assume she's a nun - even though we're not Catholic? ;-) I KID!!
ReplyDeleteI will be faced with this choice in many years to come, after more research has been done with the vaccine. However, with the rise of HPV, and the link to cervical cancer, and the fact that so many men who are silent carriers, I would definately vaccinate against HPV if I were asked to decide today. I think that just because she has the vaccination, does not mean she will be sexually active at an early age. It's precautionary ... just like getting the chicken pox vaccine.
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