HPV Vaccine

SassyTachyRN · May 13, 2015

Catching up on my CEUs, I just started a school nurse Module about HPV vaccine. How many of you educate about HPV vaccination to students and parents? Do you track HPV vaccination in your school? Seems like a taboo subject here at my school and I am wondering what I could do to change this perception.

In my state, at the start of 6th grade an info sheet and survey goes home to the 6th grade girls (why the girls only, I don't know). The survey is anonymous, and optional. We report the results to the state. It basically asks how many filled out the survey, how many reported vaccinating their child with one dose, two doses, three doses, how many had one dose but plan to get more, how many had one, but won't get any more, how many don't plan to vaccinate, etc. That's all the more we do with it. If they have had it, we do input it on their vaccination record in PowerSchool even though it's not required for school.

Farawyn · May 13, 2015

No, I don't, as it is an optional vaccine. If someone asked my opinion on it I would tell them I am a huge proponent of all vaccines and that research has shown that it is effective against several strains of HPV, the most common STD. I will tell them it is not a "live" vaccine.

Other than that, it is between the parents and their docs.

OldDude · May 13, 2015

Since I'm on the elementary level I don't have quite the occasion to discuss the subject but when I get the chance I get on my soapbox. It's my opinion every kid should receive the vaccine. I think it's just as important to vaccinate boys as well as the girls; vaccinating boys is probably a more effective way to stop the spread. All 4 of my boys have completed the series, the youngest of which is 12. My 11 year old daughter will start the series next month. And NO, my insurance doesn't cover it. I pay cash at the pharmacy (so the pediatrician doesn't get their cut!!) and it's expensive but certainly worth the investment toward the health of my children. Other than that, I don't have an opinion about it :)

Farawyn · May 13, 2015

My boys completed the series as well.

100kids, BSN, RN · May 13, 2015

I am in an Elementary School and it is not required so it has not really come up. Personally I have 2 boys that I have chosen not to give the HPV vaccinate at this time. I am not anti-vaccine in any way but their pediatrician and I have decided we will wait and reassess our thoughts on it each year as they get older and the vaccine has been around longer.

rbytsdy · May 13, 2015

I work elementary but taught 8th grade sex ed this year. I talked about the HPV but left a lot of it up to the student/parent/doctor to decide. There have been too many adverse events reported with the vaccine so I don't feel comfortable preaching only about it's benefits. I also reminded the students that it doesn't protect against all strains of HPV so annual visits with a gyn, especially when they are sexually active, are of the utmost importance. Vaccination also doesn't alleviate the risks of unprotected sex.

I didn't opine against the shot. I just gave facts about what it does and does not protect against. I said it's an optional vaccine that they should discuss with their doctors.

Farawyn · May 14, 2015

I work elementary but taught 8th grade sex ed this year. I talked about the HPV but left a lot of it up to the student/parent/doctor to decide. There have been too many adverse events reported with the vaccine so I don't feel comfortable preaching only about it's benefits. I also reminded the students that it doesn't protect against all strains of HPV so annual visits with a gyn, especially when they are sexually active, are of the utmost importance. Vaccination also doesn't alleviate the risks of unprotected sex.
I didn't opine against the shot. I just gave facts about what it does and does not protect against. I said it's an optional vaccine that they should discuss with their doctors.

What adverse reactions? It is effective against the strains of HPV that most commonly lead to cervical cancer.

I would say it actually does alleviate some of the risk associated with unprotected sex- especially HPV risk. HPV is the most common STD.

CDC - HPV Vaccine for Human Papillomavirus - Preteen-Teen-Adolescent - Vaccines

rbytsdy · May 14, 2015

I think this article sums up my hesitation well: Gardasil Researcher Speaks Out - CBS News

"The risks of serious adverse events including death reported after Gardasil use in (the JAMA article by CDC's Dr. Barbara Slade) were 3.4/100,000 doses distributed. The rate of serious adverse events on par with the death rate of cervical cancer. Gardasil has been associated with at least as many serious adverse events as there are deaths from cervical cancer developing each year. Indeed, the risks of vaccination are underreported in Slade's article, as they are based on a denominator of doses distributed from Merck's warehouse."

I can't recommend/push a vaccine that has a similar number of adverse effects as the disease it's trying to prevent.

Jolie, BSN · May 14, 2015

Women Who Received HPV Vaccine May Need Another Shot

Farawyn · May 14, 2015

I think this article sums up my hesitation well: Gardasil Researcher Speaks Out - CBS News
"The risks of serious adverse events including death reported after Gardasil use in (the JAMA article by CDC's Dr. Barbara Slade) were 3.4/100,000 doses distributed. The rate of serious adverse events on par with the death rate of cervical cancer. Gardasil has been associated with at least as many serious adverse events as there are deaths from cervical cancer developing each year. Indeed, the risks of vaccination are underreported in Slade's article, as they are based on a denominator of doses distributed from Merck's warehouse."
I can't recommend/push a vaccine that has a similar number of adverse effects as the disease it's trying to prevent.

Dr. Ratner says he "feels" his daughter got sick after HPV shot. Is there proof that it caused it? This sounds to me kind of like the autism/vaccine scare, although I definitely will take it in to consideration! - My kids' shots are already "in", so really nothing I can do.

I've administered many Gardasil while working at a OB/GYN clinic and the worst I saw was fainting.

Thanks for the article, I will continue to read up.

SnowyJ, RN · May 14, 2015

I gave my daughter all the info on the HPV vaccine, we discussed it, and she opted to get the vaccine when she was in her teens. I felt it was important for her to understand what it is/what it does.

Same for my 2 sons. Their decision.