HPV Vaccine for Boys?
A few weeks back there was a very lively discussion on this site about the HPV vaccine and whether it should be mandatory for girls, its benefits and the social implications. I am very appreciative for everyone who commented and gave us more insight and information for making better decisions.
Today, there is an article at Connect With Kids that takes the issue another step, which is should we immunize boys, too? Well, it would make sense. In the article, Kristen DiPaolo lists three reasons why we should immunize them as well -
Doctors say HPV does cause cancer in men - but it’s not as common.
“In males we are talking about penile, and for some, anal cancer,” says Dr. Scott Parry of Intown Primary Care in Atlanta. “Which, as people get older in their 50’s and 60’s and 70’s, you don’t hear a lot about - but it is actually more prevalent than people know.”
And the vaccine can protect boys from genital warts, which are caused by HPV.
One more reason to vaccinate boys? To keep girls safe.
“Where are girls getting it from? Guys,” says Dr. Parry. “Where are guys getting it from? For the most part, girls.”
This makes a lot of sense to me! What do you think? I still don’t know if I want the government mandating this vaccine, but if they do, let’s immunize boys and girls!
2 opinions for HPV Vaccine for Boys?
kellys
Mar 29, 2007 at 10:10 am
Once again, it is an interesting point that I feel should be left up to the individual parents. I would be more likely to consider it if it were left up to me. I am just stubburn like that. I might end up giving it to my kids later on but righ tnow, the resaerch hasn’t proven itself to me like some of the other vaccines have. Ought to be an interesting debate though.
Did you hear that the Texas governor has already signed into law that the state of Texas mandate it for girls?
Jessica
Jul 29, 2007 at 8:34 am
I would definitely vaccinate my son for the HPV. Teens are having sex earlier than they used to and this is a safeguard in trying to protect our children. I don’t understand why the vaccination trials did not simultaneously include boys and girls. Teenage boys have raging hormones and thus should have been taken in to serious consideration for the vaccine trials. If I can get my son vaccinated, I will!
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