Only 25% of Teen Girls have Received HPV Vaccine
CBS 42 News
2008-10-14 07:45:00.0
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In the two years since the HPV vaccine was approved, only 25% of teen girls have gotten the shot. Local pediatrician Dr. Sheridyn Breedlove recommends the Gardasil vaccine for girls around 11 or 12 years old, but she says younger children can get the shot.
The vaccine protects girls against viruses that cause 70% of cervical cancer cases and genital warts. But there are concerns that it can promote an unhealthy lifestyle.
"A lot of parents are concerned somehow it is going to encourage their children to have sex or to be more sexually promiscuous. But like you wear a seat belt in the car you don't drive faster and drive reckless because, you wear your seat belt its just another way to protect yourself," said Breedlove.
As far as side effects, some have clamed death, paralysis and nausea from the HPV immunization. But Dr. Breedlove says in the hundreds she has administered the only side affect she has encountered is a soar arm.
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