Gardasil

[mnbrn]

I know this is not a medical advice thread. With that being said, is there a source you could direct me to for more info on Gardasil? What do you think about the vaccine: safety, research thoroughness, pros/cons, etc?

[klone, MSN, RN]

I consider all vaccines in children to be "monumental health decisions". That is why we delay and selectively vaccinate our own kids.

I, OTOH, have been vaccinated for just about everything under the sun.

[RachH]

I was vaccinated a couple of years ago. No problems!

[StL_Momma27]

Because HPV really isn't harmful for boys. They don't get cancer from it like girls do. It would be great if they could be vaccinated too, but I don't know if this is approved for males.

I actually just read about this today, they recommend boys and girls get this vaccine. Between the ages of 14 and 26 I believe.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I think the low age is 10-12. Sadly, by 14, many children are already sexually active, and the purpose of the vaccine is to get it BEFORE they're exposed.

[anurseatlast]

from cdc.gov: (good site for any vaccine questions)

the advisory committee on immunization practices (acip) recommends routine vaccination of females at age 11 or 12 years and catch-up vaccination for females aged 13 through 26 years (1). on october 21, 2009, acip provided guidance that hpv4 may be given to males aged 9 through 26 years to reduce their likelihood of acquiring genital warts;