Englishmum

OK Ray, you won't want to read this, I know you're squeamish about women's 'plumbing' LOL!


I'm astonished about the fuss taking place in Texas about the possible introduction of the HPV vaccination for adolescent girls across the country.

For those of you who don't know what the HPV virus is, it's the 'Human Papilloma Virus' which is linked to 70% of cervical cancer cases. The virus is a common infection and produces no symptoms.

Just over a year ago a test became available and there is a vaccination for the HPV virus. I was fortunate in being able to go for a 'executive health exam' at the Rockefeller Center in NYC, courtesy of my husband's employer and Aetna. I had to really push to get them to test me for HPV during the pap smear/pelvic exam. I was pleased to get a clear result - but I've just found out that my best friend here has the HPV virus and so does a couple of other mutual friends. They will now need to have pap smears every six months. It has nothing to do with promiscuity and in fact one of the women we know who has the HPV is a lesbian.

Ladies: I urge you to get the HPV test - it's quick and painless!

http://www.thehpvtest.com/index.html [TELL SOMEONE!]

Now I think it's really important for anyone with a young 'tween' or teen daughter to have the vaccination now that it is available. However, it's appalling that it is costly for some families and not all health insurers will pay for it, (ironic that they'll often pay for Viagra) and surely cost effective in the long run if the woman doesn't get cervical cancer.... The shots are given in a series of three and the cost is around $360.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15209554/site/newsweek/

What is also shocking is the view that some (conservative) religious groups eg. the 'Campaign for Women and Families' and 'Focus on the Family' are against bills to mandate the vaccination for girls.....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16797087/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16975112/ (although it's irritating about how much lobbying is going on by the drug companies as they can see the vast profits which would pour into their coffers...)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14572691/

I'm surprised that only about 75% of British mothers favour having their young daughter's vaccinated - I'd love to know how the statisticians compile their results (there is no breakdown in regards to ethnicity, religious considerations etc.)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16788144/

Ridski

Okay, I'm putting on the flame-retardant suit for this one...

As much as I'm happy that there is a HPV vaccine, and would encourage all women to get themselves tested and vaccinated, the idea of making this, or any vaccination mandatory somehow rubs me up the wrong way. Not sure why, just getting a little sick of things that should be done out of choice being turned into law.

Elvira

The point is that it is to protect children who are not able to decide for themselves.

Elvira

I expect it is due to lack of knowledge and fear of (a) side effects and (b) potential promiscuity.

As for the US... doesn't surprise me at all. Surely the preferred way of combating STDs, AIDs and cervical cancer is for all us to remain celibate...

I'm all for these imbecils staying celibate - hopefully they'll die out in due course...

Sue

I heard that a couple of times on tv yesterday, in fact one programme suggested they promote abstinence instead . Talk about burying their heads in the sand.

If this new vaccination will stop a girl getting cancer later in life, and perhaps even dying, I can't see why any sane parent would object.

britvic

The shot it's self has not been tested no where near long enough, a year is what I read, I dont agree with it being enforced, I was born around the time of the Ferlidemyed "cant spell it" drug, even my mum had the bloody pill's she is and was a bit of a hippy tree hugger and would not take anything, and I thank my lucky stars she didn't.

Elvira

I think Thalidomide is the word you are looking for

However, drug testing regulations have become a lot more stringent since then, and the FDA are generally a lot more stringent than the European regulatory authorities. (Which is why so many drugs get introduced here YEARS after they have been used in Europe.) Certainly this vaccine will have been trialled for way longer than a year. It usually takes at least a decade to bring a drug to market.

I would not go as far as enforcing this vaccine at this moment in time, but I cannot see any good reason for a blanket refusal.

scrubbedexpat097

It's true it has not been tested anywhere near the usual time frame.
It is also manufactured by Merck (one of the big money givers to Texas Governor Rick Perrys political campaign). Also Merck are trying to recover from their big losses from the lawsuits for Vioxx so a break through for them right now with a new drug is the kind of publicity they need.

In theory it is probably a good drug but I still think there should be more testing done before it is used and I also disagree with it being mandatory as well.


On a side note: The GYN I worked for 12 years here has been using the HPV/PAP Smear for many years. When you go for your annual check up, which I am sure you all do, make sure you ask for this test it should be readily available.

TruBrit

hmmm coincidental or what that Merck & Co (manufacturers and pharmaceutical co) donated in excess of $6,000 from their committee to Tx Gov Perry's re-election campaign

scrubbedexpat097

Snap, we must have been posting at the same time!

Elvira

I don't think we should let distaste for some pharma company practises allow our judgement to be clouded. From what I hear, most physicians are in favour of this vaccine.

TruBrit

from what i've read Gov Perry is continuing to push it through when further trials should be completed and the reason being his connections...so what's new in politics

TruBrit

great minds

BritGuyTN

the MMR and other jabs are managtory over here for kids I think - so why not one that virtually eliminates a certain cause of a type of cancer?

another bloody yank

There are 300 million of us, you might be waiting for a little while. I know I don't plan jumping into the celibacy pool anytime soon.