10 February 2007
The FDA has licensed Gardasil, as a vaccine, for use by females between the ages of 9 and 26.HPV (human papillomavirus), affects 20 million people nationally, including one in four 15-to-24 year olds. It is the nation’s most common sexually transmitted disease. It is a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer.
The vaccine is given in three shots over eight months. The shots are effective for at least five years, and together cost $360.
Each posting below offers some information about the new vaccine. Each posting is linked to its' original source.
NY Times: Texas on Friday became the first state to require all 11- and 12-year-old girls entering the sixth grade to be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer.
American Chronicle: Tests have shown that inoculating both boys and girls cuts the rate of HPV infection by 90%, while inoculating only girls results in 75% reduction. So why does the order only affect the females if the goal is to eradicate cervical cancer?
1010 Wins Radio NY: A New York Lawmaker to Push Mandatory Cervical Cancer Vaccine. A Democratic state assemblywoman plans to introduce legislation next week that would require schoolgirls in New York to get shots meant to knock out the virus linked to cervical cancer.
Merck & Co: The fact sheet on Gardasil from the manufacturer.
University of Texas Houston Health Leader: The FDA has licensed Gardasil, the new vaccine, for use in girls and women ages 9-26. The vaccine is most effective when administered before the patient becomes sexually active and is at risk of contracting HPV.
DUE FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY:
If you were a parent how would you feel about the use of Gardasil?
If you were a parent how would you feel about the mandatory vaccine?
Post a link to support your thoughts.
# posted by Henry @ 8:59 AM 
