HPV Vaccine

[faithmom]

Um....isn't thimerasol a chemical component containing mercery. 2nd, my understanding of immunology holds that an allergen contains a protein base by which our immune system encodes itself to react to a non-harmful substance as if it is harmful. Mercury is a metal, not a protien.

The most common allergic reaction in the flu shot, is in fact a reaction to eggs....because flu vaccines use a protien product from eggs as a part of the matrix in which it is contained.

Reactions to mercury, on the other hand, are not an allergic reaction, but a reaction of the body to the poisoning of a heavy metal...meaning, it doesn't leave the body, and settles into places in the body -like the brain and liver- and disrupts normal biological function. Allergens, on the other hand, do leave the body over time.

That being said, even if the HPV vaccine does NOT contain thimerasol or mercury (or even egg product...no idea if it does or not)....it is new, and lately, here in the US, we seem to have a problem with people getting sick from new drugs being pushed down the pipeline every other day.

I also am a former pharmaceutical rep for a company that is based out of the US in Sweden, and sold meds for them for allergies, asthma, cardiac function and anesthesia (thus my knowledge about metals vs allergens) until my 1st child was born....and I've read dozens of studies about drugs used outside of the US before they were sold here.

There are very fine gray lines running between small vs large placebo controlled studies, consistency of collected data, and lack of data on drug interactions (we do not in fact know how this drug reacts in conjunction with other vaccines and drugs nor it's long term effects). Most are not avialable to the public.

Do you know that the complete package insert your doctor sees on a drug is removed before you receive it at the pharmacy? Get your hands on a current PDR (physician's desk reference for drugs and pharmacology) and you may find some side effects you never heard of. Also you will find many many studies are very very small and done on young healthy men (in the case of the HPV vaccine...women, not young girls were the study)....NOT KIDS....and so you really don't know what a drug release will do to a child when something new comes out.

I am currently on one med I sold, it is for asthma. Dying because you can't breath sucks, so I take it. But the drug in the long run can cause damage to your eyes. That was not revealed when it first came on the US market...the drug had been used for allergies in the UK for over a decade before it came here, but the effects, even though they were reported, were not publisized until thousands were on the prescription.

My Doc loves to tell me that in such low dose amounts it should not be a problem, but when I ask her if I also take the nasal spray for my allergies (which would increase the dose...they contain the same steroid) or if I ever am given additional steriods as I get older for other problems (often injected for bad knees, arthritis, and various swelling of tissues) what will the cumulative effect do to me? She just repeats that in trace levels there should be no problem in the average life span.

(she seems to forget that both of my grandmothers are alive and in their 90's....not the average life span would one say).

So....in summary...I don't go for cookie-cutter stats and reports. I think we push things into our market too fast, and I am not willing to nod happily as the docs (who learn their information from the sales reps like me and who additionally learn it at seminars hosted by the drug companies) just repeat back the cliche' answers to questions we have a right to have answers to.

I am certainly NOT willing to send my daughters out there as guinea pigs for this first round of the HPV vaccine.

 

[gracepaints]

It bears mentioning that while widespread usage of this vaccine may diminish the circulation of the strains of HPV the shot is geared toward, it will simply mean that prevlance of other strains will increase to take their place. There won't be less HPV out there. There will just more of different kinds. If a person is having sex with persons with previous sexual history they are at risk. Period.

BTW I was unaware that the FDA does not allow a person to get the vax if they are already sexually active. What kind of screwy logic is that

 

[seamonster]

BTW I was unaware that the FDA does not allow a person to get the vax if they are already sexually active. What kind of screwy logic is that

Actually, you can still get the shot if you are sexually active. It won't provide as much protection, but your doctor's office will give it to you. All of my friends who have been vaxed for this were not virgins when they received the vax, and my doctor has tried to get me to get the vaccine, as well.

http://www.guttmacher.org/media/nr/2.../19/index.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,237611,00.html
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_r...fm?DR_ID=41772
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/...ital-sex_x.htm

A study that says by 44, 97% of Americans have had premarital sex. 93% by age 30, and that 81% who're virgins at 20 have sex before they're 25.

Interesting, thanks!

 

[Thankful4HIM]

Nope, no way..Hopefully they'll remain whole until marriage with a man that's whole.

 

[beachbum2]

Just out of curiosity...if it is a vaccine, and creates immunity against the virus, why isn't it's effectiveness in boys being studied as vigorously...or was it even studied "vigorously" in girls in the first place? Why...like birth control pills, is the focus all on girls? (I always found it amazing that the male hormone levels are far more consistent, yet no great effort has ever been put out there to alter sperm production, we just keep focussing on the female system....with its cyclical rises and falls of hormone levels, for the pill. ) Why not try to stop the disease in it's tracks from both sides, while preventing cancer at the same time.

That fact has always seemed a bit "fishy" to me. Just like it has with birth control via hormone treatment.

I agree.

 

[Moms4Christ]

I have a daughter that is two years away from being old enough for the vaccine but I do not plan on having her get that. Too many uncertain things about it.

 

[jgonz]

Just one addition to the discussion... If your immune system is in good working order, any possible HPV that you're exposed to will be destroyed by your body. Viruses are just viruses~ and the body is designed to get rid of them by itself.... IF the body's immune system works properly.

IMO, a better way to fight off the possibility of Any virus or disease is to boost the immune system. If you are exposed to something, then you can always take certain herbs, homeopathics, &/or change your diet to take care of it. Reducing toxins in the diet and lifestyle is also very important.

 

[charligirl]

Just one addition to the discussion... If your immune system is in good working order, any possible HPV that you're exposed to will be destroyed by your body. .

Not in my case. I must have contracted hpv between the years of 19 when I lost my virginity and 23 when i came back to God. During that time I was the fittest and healthiest I have ever been. As a farmers daughter have an incredibly robust immune system, rarely if ever getting ill - colds and stomach bugs generally pass over me.

4 years ago I was diagnosed with pre cancerous cells after an abnormal smear (pap) HPV was present ,yet I had been celibate for 10 years, somehow it had just flared up.

Having said that, I would still not have had the vacc if it had been around, I just would never have lost my virginity. I used a condom, I thought I was being safe... they've known about this for years and never told anyone - all that was drummed into us was safe sex and condoms, which do not protect against this) it was lies. there IS no safe sex unless you are both virgins.

 

[Leanna]

Mercury and/or thimerosal are linked as the problem in all of the shots that people claim cause autism, or bring out "autism-like" symptoms.

Its the MMR shot that's linked the strongest to autism by parents, and MMR has never had thimersol/mercury in it. It is after the MMR shot that parents see regression.

Although yes mercury toxicity and autism symptoms are linked too, it isn't the only thing parents are concerned with.

I strongly disagree on this vaccine having a 20 year history.

Beyond that, I'd say we're on different planets and I don't really care to go into it right now.

 

[Leanna]

The most common allergic reaction in the flu shot, is in fact a reaction to eggs....because flu vaccines use a protien product from eggs as a part of the matrix in which it is contained.

Thank you, someone else that has been paying attention .... thimersol as an allergen.... really....

it is new, and lately, here in the US, we seem to have a problem with people getting sick from new drugs being pushed down the pipeline every other day.

Exactly.

I think we push things into our market too fast, and I am not willing to nod happily as the docs (who learn their information from the sales reps like me and who additionally learn it at seminars hosted by the drug companies) just repeat back the cliche' answers to questions we have a right to have answers to.

I am certainly NOT willing to send my daughters out there as guinea pigs for this first round of the HPV vaccine.

Me neither, which is why my original answer is that they have time to do more research and perfect this before my daughter would be old enough for me to decide on this.

 

[Linnis]

HPV occurs mainly in young women and is less common in women over 30.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/c...the_cervix_Can_it_be_prevented_8.asp?rnav=cri

the average age of women who develop cervical cancer is between 50 and 55 years. It is important for older women to continue to have Pap tests.

http://www.nutritionquest.com/tracker/html/cervicalcancer.html


So what, these women are getting cancer from a virus they got 20+ years before hand? Shouldn't it be caught in routine paps? Why isn't it being caught?

There are many other 'causes' of cervical cancer like birth control pills, family history, diet etc


I do not have faith in this vaccine. It came out too quickly, makes me wonder what's in it for the company. I also think it gives a false sense of security.

As for punishment, if one is grown up enough to be having sex, then one has to understand the risks. Not just pregnancy. I doubt these illnesses exist to 'punish' women to who have sex outside of marriage or with a man who's had sex with other women or cheats.

If I had a daughter, I think 12 is too young. Too young to make this decision just like that age is too young to be having sex. If (I have a DD) and she chooses to have sex, I hope she will be smart about it, look into this vaccine, ask her partner to be tested, look into birth control and condoms etc.

If this vaccine only lasts 5 years will it be like the Chicken Pox one and they'll add another dose to the schedule?

 

[Hadassah]

No daughters yet, but no - we will *not* be doing this vaccine. Too many variables and side-effects.. and we just do not agree with it either.

 

[faithmom]

Thank you, someone else that has been paying attention .... thimersol as an allergen.... really....



Exactly.



Me neither, which is why my original answer is that they have time to do more research and perfect this before my daughter would be old enough for me to decide on this.

Thanks LeAnna...I appologize that I wrote that in such a whirlwind....without breaking it out or (oops!) spellchecking, but motherhood on Saturdays is full-scale high demand. And so I power typed yesterday!

As usual, Leanna, your patience and common sense prevail. Thanks for breaking down my core points. Well stated on both of your posts.

 

[Christdefinesme]

Only if they are not sexually active. Current FDA approval states that the shot cannot be given to people who're sexually active. So if you choose not to have her get the shot at the suggested age, and your daughter has sex during the time most American girls lose their virginity (17), then she will not be able to get the shot.

If the reason for not getting a vaccine is that the thing it protects against can be diagnosed during a regular physical and then treated, then why get any shot? ................

This isn't just any shot, it's new, and it's being marketed toward teen girls. Most other vaccines have been around for a while and have proven effectiveness, and even they have many risky side effects to consider.

Obviously, we have differing opinions on the meaning of the word "safe", your opinion obviously is that it's safer to risk getting the shot, my opinion is it's safer to wait, until there is more research, (or, not get it at all) and I happen to have time, my kids aren't going to be sexually active until they leave my care. You're just going to have to trust me on that one. If they decide to become sexually active then (which I hope they won't), they can decide to take the six month period of time to get their shots before "putting themselves out there" if that's what they want to do. I don't really think that this is an unwise, or risky decision I am making for my girls. They can decide when they are adults. And by then this will at least be on the market for a few years (or refined, improved, or taken of the market completely).

If I was living in a situation where I thought my girls may become sexually active sometime in the next 3 years, I may consider the vaccine....that's a big huge maybe. But, right now, thankfully, we are not in that boat. And I feel really, really bad for parents who have to make the risky decision right now because of pressure from docs and such guilting them with the big "C" word, when I really don't beleive there has been enough testing on this vaccine. There just hasn't.

And, honestly, I don't trust the drug companies to care greatly whether there are serious risks or side effects, the big $ is the bottom line, and they've already got it sold, so why pull back and admit it's not perfected? What's a few deaths, what's a few paralyzed, comatosed girls? Obviously there are some serious risks that have been reported that may or may not have to do with the vaccine. End of story.

I just don't trust the CDC to always look out for our best interest, I certainly don't trust the drug companies to do so, and I don't always trust all doctors for our best interest either. $$ is often the bottom line.

Obviously you have great trust in these institutions, and therefore we will differ in our opinions greatly.

 

[TexasSky]

So, I have 2 girls "of age" and am not giving them the vaccine.
What about you?
I found this article today:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/03/07/hfh.gardasil.parents/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

And I just read the one Leanna posted back in October (?), and I'm way more scared of the vaccine's possible side effects than I am of the possiblity of my girls getting this one form of cancer.
And, I have a new doctor, and she supports me . (I really love my new doctor)

We went to the Urgent Care a few months ago with my 14 yr old, regarding possible strep, and the female doc there guilted me thoroughly for saying we aren't interested in this vaccine at this point.

I see nothing wrong with allowing my daugher to make her own decision several years from now about whether she wants to be vaccinated with this or not!

My daughter was grown before this came out, but I wouldn't have given it to her at such a young age.

I believe in vaccines, but I've seen far too many mistakes made in the rush to find cures for cancer, one such mistake killed my mother.

In regards to the HPV vaccine, I would wait until my child was old enough to talk to her about the vaccine, and about sex, and allow her private time with the doctor to do whatever she wants to do.

My thoughts were, I wouldn't want to be the reason, 16 years later, that she was being told she couldn't have children, or her children would be deformed, or something like that because I gave her a shot without having seen its affects on at least a generation of women.

I don't think it was tested enough. They said they followed a group for 10 years. Was this group pre-puberty through puberty? What were their cancer histories? Have any of them had children of their own yet?

I have friends who are sterile today because their mothers were given certain medications during pregnancy, that now are off the market.

The fact is, as far as clinical trials go, this one has gone through far fewer than most medications on the market today.

 

[Leanna]

And, honestly, I don't trust the drug companies to care greatly whether there are serious risks or side effects, the big $ is the bottom line, and they've already got it sold, so why pull back and admit it's not perfected? What's a few deaths, what's a few paralyzed, comatosed girls? Obviously there are some serious risks that have been reported that may or may not have to do with the vaccine.

Yes they want us to believe that perfectly healthy girls drop dead suspiciously after this vaccine, but its not related.

 

[K9_Trainer]

I'm not getting it.

Too many potential side effects and I've heard some bad stories already. The less vaccinations people are shot up with and pills people take, the better IMO.

I just hope they don't start making it required. I know it will be a long time before I ever have teenage kids, but if it's required when I do, I will fight it tooth and nail. That vaccination is something I feel a young woman should be able to choose wether to get or not.

 

[Neenie1]

My daughter is only 2 years old. I don't think she'll be getting it.

From what I've heard it doesn't protect against all strains of HPV anyway and you still need to have regular pap smears.

 

[Robinsegg]

My daughter is 7. Unless something changes about the research/information available/reasons for this vaccine . . . she will not get it at 12, and possibly never. Right now, there's just too much we don't know
Vaccines for communicable diseases I understand . . . and I understand why schools require them: to protect the school community. A vaccine for a noncommunicable disease being required by the school would be very much overkill, imo.
Rachel

 

[Meshavrischika]

I'll offer it to Elsa. HPV doesn't only come with sexual activity, and you as an adult in marrige can't keep your sexual partner faithful. I think people make this out to be too much about morals and not enough about health. I'll likely just present it as a vaccination to prevent some types of cancer and leave it at that without bringing morals into it.