The Pros And Cons Of HPV Vaccination

Advancements in modern medicine serve to benefit the human race. The difficulty with such advancements is the differing of opinions that ensues on how to best manage these new medical miracles. The creation of a vaccine for HPV is no exception. During the course of the past several years, a fierce debate has arisen about whether to mandate this vaccination as a requirement for school attendance. It is without argument that creation of the HPV vaccine is a great advancement for modern medicine given the potential consequences to a rampant virus that this vaccine can prevent, but the decision on whether to use this vaccination on our children and young adults is best left to parents and individuals rather than a well-intentioned government mandate.

Those who support such governmental action point to the record of accomplishment of Gardasil since hitting the market in 2006. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests, “Since the vaccine has been introduced, more than 35 million doses have been administered and it has an excellent safety record” (Tomljenovich & Shaw, 2012, p. 674). Others, who stand in support of a mandate, make the claim that the vaccine will reduce cost and emotional distress associated with having to endure the medical procedures involved with treating precancerous and cancerous lesions that may occur as a result of this infection. When using the vaccine in combination with routine Pap smear screenings, the potential exists to eradicate cervical cancer entirely (Vamos et al., 2008, pp.305-306). Thus far, 24 states have introduced legislation that would mandate the vaccine for young girls for school attendance with only two states, Virginia and the District of Columbia having current active mandates in place (Pegion & Zacher, 2014, p.

The two pharmaceutical companies that produce the vaccine, Merck and GlaxoSmithKline, stand to make immense profits. This raises the issue about whether laws enacted are truly to benefit our youth or are a result of the heavy lobbying efforts of these pharmaceutical giants (Pegion & Zacher, 2014, p.185).

As Gardasil was fast-tracked for approval by the FDA, pre-market trials were small and did not particularly target pre-teen girls. On the market just since 2006, there has not been a long enough period to adequately establish all the potential risks and side effects or the length of vaccine effectiveness (Tomljenovic & Shaw, 2012, pp. 674-676). These facts alone stand to suggest putting the brakes on the idea of a mandate until all unknown factors are realized to adequately protect our youth from potential harm.

HPV vaccine is without argument a great medical advancement to combating a rampant virus that has possible deadly consequences. Given the many issues and objections surrounding this vaccine, mandating administration may not be the best course of action at this time. A Nationwide public education campaign coupled with sound medical advice from practitioners will serve to allow parents and individuals to retain their freedoms of parenting and choice while still reducing the prevalence of this