Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 8/24/2007

Question
Hello, how are you? I was wondering if you can provide your opionion. I am writing a essay on this topic and I am trying to embed other people’s viewpoints. Yes, I will indeed cite. Thank u
Should states enact laws that would require girls to be vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?


Answer
Dear BM,

In my personal opinion, the state should leave that decision to the individual.  Vaccines are not without risk, and there are some people who prefer not to vaccinate their children against anything, for fear of reactions to the vaccine or the carrier.

Vaccines have vastly improved our quality of life by reducing the spread of potentially deadly pathogens, but they are not a panacea.

I do NOT believe that vaccinating girls against HPV is giving them license to have wild sex once they hit puberty.  I believe that the people who are screaming that nonsense as a reason not to vaccinate are nutcases.

But I do believe that a decision about health care should not be mandated by the State when we're talking about a disease that is not readily contagious with casual contact.  HPV isn't polio.  And while it increases the risk of cervical cancer, not all HPV-positive women will get cervical cancer.

I do feel that everyone should be well educated about the benefits and risks of the vaccine.  But the decision about whether to use it should be left up to the individual who is personally affected.

Hope that helps.

Dana