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The Vaccination Of The Hpv Vaccine

Decent Essays

The HPV vaccine has always been controversial. When the vaccine first debut in 2006, many parents felt that the vaccine was only for sexually active teens, and their children did not fit that mold. Others felt that the vaccine was dangerous and refused to be vaccinated. Unfortunately, the stigma around the HPV vaccine still stands.

In a study done by the Mayo Clinic, there has been a steady rise in the number of parents who do not want to vaccinate their children. In 2013, only 37.8 % of girls ages 13-17 received the full three doses of the vaccine and boys ages 13-17 had a vaccination rate of 14%. So why is it that many people refuse to get vaccinated?

Perhaps it is a lack of education surrounding both the virus and the vaccine that is contributing to the reluctance. According to Dr. Renee Eger, an OB/GYN affiliated with Women and Infants Health Care Alliance, “Parents of children need to be educated around the safety of the vaccine and the significant benefits of the vaccine.” Hence, education around the dangers of the virus and benefits of the vaccine need to be promoted.

However, It seems that parents are educated about the perceived dangers of the vaccine rather than its benefits. A quick google search can render countless articles around the risk of the vaccine. Truthaboutgardasil.org is one website dedicated to women who have faced life altering medical conditions, including paralysis, after receiving the vaccine. The organization also hopes to remove the vaccine

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