Debating the HPV vaccination

By Olivia Jones and Dibya Subedi
Cabell Midland High School

Human Papillomavirus, commonly referred to as HPV, is a sexually-transmitted disease responsible for more than 70 percent of cervical cancer cases and more than 90 percent of genital warts’ cases. Recently, though, the Food and Drug Administration approved a prevention vaccination, Gardasil, targeted towards females age 9-26.

Even though the benefits of a vaccination are evident, Gardasil has been somewhat controversial because of the young starting age for which it is recommended.

Cabell Midland junior Emily Beckelhimer hopes that 9-year-old girls are not having sex but says of the vaccine, “At least they’ll be safe if they decide to when they’re older.”

While that’s true, most parents do not want to address sexual education so early in their daughter’s lives and understandably so. However, the reason that young girls are advised to get the vaccination is not because they are likely to engage in sexual activity but because the immunization is most effective if it’s administered before girls become sexually active.

Since Gardasil’s release, many high school girls and their parents also have been faced with the decision of getting vaccinated. Again, favoring the choice does not advocate promiscuity; it simply allows those who desire a safety measure to attain it.

Cabell Midland senior Heather Black just received the first of the three Gardasil shots for her “regular $10 co-pay” from her family physician. Black deemed it a good idea to excuse herself from the risks of HPV, and her mother was supportive of her decision.

Beckelhimer chose to get the shot because her insurance paid for it.

“HPV can cause complications later on, so people should do what they can to prevent it, which for me also includes abstinence,” she said.

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, at least 50 percent of sexually-active people will acquire HPV in their lifetime. Due to this high figure, some states are trying to make it mandatory for middle school students to receive the vaccine. Since it has so far proven to be effective even after five years, (the exact length of immunity is not yet definite) legislation around the country seems to be in favor of early prevention.

Even with the evident benefits of Garadisil, though, there will undoubtedly still be controversy for some time. However, setting the recommended age aside, the immunization has proven that it can save lives not only from certain STDs, but also from a more life-threatening disease — cervical cancer.

For more on HPV and the vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/std/HPV.