Mandatory Hpv Vacination

The human papilloma virus or HPV is estimated to be one of the most commonly transmitted sexually transmitted infections (STI) around the world. As per a recent statistical report, it is estimated that more than 70 percent of sexually active men and women get infected with at least one type of HPV in their lifetime.

HPVs are group of more than 100 different types of viruses. While some of these lead to cancer, others cause warts around the genitals. Approximately 70 percent of cervical cancers occur as a result of infection with certain types of HPV. After years of continuous research, scientists have now been able to develop vaccines against this dreaded virus.

Gardasil, a recombinant vaccine manufactured by Merck, provides protection against certain types of HPV that include 6, 11, 16 and 18. Among these HPV types, 6 and 11 are considered as low risk types that can cause genital warts and HPV types 16 and 18 are treated as high risk varieties capable of causing cervical cancer. Several countries including the US, Canada, the UK, Germany and Australia have approved the use of Gardasil in females aged between 9 and 26.

In the US, mandatory use of Gardasil as a part of compulsory immunization program among females between 9 and 13 years of age is still an aspect of debate among legislators, public health activists and parents. According to supporters of this program, Gardasil provides an opportunity to fight against one of the dreaded forms of cancer that kills more than 4000 American women every year. However, opponents of this program fear that HPV vaccine can cause a phenomenal increase in the numbers related to premarital sex. Moreover, the data provided by the manufacturer regarding the side effects of the vaccine are far from the truth. Apart from itching, inflammation and redness at the site of injection, headache, fever and mild nausea, there are certain other serious health complications that can result due to an HPV shot. Some of these include paralysis, Guillian-Barre syndrome, seizures, blood clots and heart attacks. Some people have the tendency to develop a serious allergic reaction against the vaccine. At a cost of $360, Gardasil is one of the most expensive vaccines available in the market and is not affordable by many.

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Mandatory Hpv Vacination