HPV Vaccine for Boys?
Thanks to Char over at Weary Parent for pointing me toward this story. Awhile back, I posted on the HPV vaccine and the controversy over whether it should be required for tween and teen girls.
Now, the folks at Connect with Kids have posted a story: Should Boys Get the HPV Vaccine?
HPV (human papilloma virus) is a sexually transmitted infection, which is the cause for cervical cancer. Because of this, the Centers for Disease Control have recommended that girls ages 9-26 get the new vaccine. But, wait a minute… HPV also causes cancer in men, even though it’s less common. In males, the virus can cause penile and anal cancer (and genital warts), as men get older. The HPV vaccine can protect males from these. And it can also help protect girls, who get HPV from their male sexual partners.
So far, the FDA has approved the vaccine only for girls, although studies are being conducted on its use for boys. However, some doctors already give the vaccine to young male patients. “I think it’s extremely safe. I prescribe a lot of it in my practice and no one has had any adverse side effects that I know about,” says Dr. Scott Parry of Intown Primary Care in Atlanta.
What about you parents of tweens and teens? Do you feel your sons should get this vaccination as well as your daughters, when it is approved for boys by the FDA? Chime in and let me know how you feel!
HPV, human papilloma virus, HPV vaccine, Weary Parent, Connect with Kids, parenting teens, parenting teenagers
March 30th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
As a parent of tween and teen boys, I am surprised the studies did not include boys until now. Penile and anal cancers are fairly rare, but it is felt that 25 percent of oral cancers in the U.S. are secondary to HPV as well. I am surprised I have not seen this enter into the controversy. If approved, I would vaccinate my boys, perhaps even before my girls if I had them. Even though I am raising them with strong Christian values, I am not naive to human nature. I would hate to have a moment of poor judgement on their part, jeapordize the health of my future daughter-in-laws!
Lynne Eldridge M.D.
Author, “Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time, practical advice for preventing cancer”
http://www.avoidcancernow.com
March 30th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Dr. Eldridge,
I also found it a little strange that males were not included in the studies until now. I’m glad to hear from an MD who approves of this vaccine for males. I’m strongly in favor of it for both girls and boys, once approval is given.
March 30th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
I am strongly in favor of the vaccanation for both boys and girls. To think that we have come so far that now we can help prevent our children from having to get a type of cancer is a wonderful thing.
March 31st, 2007 at 4:23 am
I agree, Lela. I wish all parents felt as you do!
March 31st, 2007 at 12:48 pm
I am strongly against the vaccine for both boys and girls. I feel there is too much misinformation and not enough real research about the vaccine.
April 1st, 2007 at 5:28 am
Thanks for stopping by, Summer. We can never have too much information. But I feel comfortable with getting the vaccine for my daughter. There hasn’t yet been enough testing to approve the vaccine for boys. There is always controversy over whether drugs have been researched enough when they are approved.
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