H.P.V - Decided not to immunise 12yo - Am I alone in this decision ?

[Tillyboo]

The school nurse letter sat on my desk for a few weeks before a niggling feeling compelled me to research Gardasil.

I have been told that as long as the girl is 100% healthy with no underlying health issues or allergies, the occurances of side affects are few and less serious. But, I have read reports and papers, watched videos of young girls who have been seriously physically affected by the immunisation. Gardasil is relatively new on the market and the US and Denmark do not hold it in high regard. I believe Japan have removed it from the market too ? Am I being selfish to deny my daughter this injection ?

[janethegirl2]

Some people will tell you that you are, but I'd go with my gut instinct after researching the risks.

[Marsquared]

Not selfish at all. You have done the research and seen the risks which is what every parent should do before allowing anything to be injected into their child. I have worked with a teenage girl who has suffered irreversible damage from that particular vaccine. Scary stuff.

[Lonnysera]

Weigh up the chances of a reaction to the vaccine (infinitesimally small) against the chances of being exposed to HPV and the consequences of that.

[christmaswreaths]

I personally know two children who were seriously damaged by Gardasil. One of the parents is a doctor and now is seriously against it, having carried out lots of further research.

I will not be consenting either.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

From reading MN I suspect that your DD can override your lack of consent.

[Watchingdallas]

I sincerely hope your daughter is able to override your decision.

[SuburbanRhonda]

What does your DD think as she will be the one having to live with the consequences of your decision, not you.

Have you even had a conversation with her about this?

[TheHobbitMum]

I did a lot of research when my daughter was due to have it and after a lot of thought etc we decided not to have it too. I know I'm a minority but I feel it's the right thing. My daughter knows if she changes her mind she can have it. You know what's right for your daughter

[sonlypuppyfat]

I waited a few years for my DD to have the injection 12 is too young I think

[SuburbanRhonda]

12 is too young? You do know the whole point of having it at that age is because the vast majority of girls are not sexually active at age 12 and the vaccine is ineffective once they are?

[howabout]

You are not alone. My 2 have an increased genetic risk of immune system disorders which for me tipped the balance.

[SuburbanRhonda]

The OP isn't about young people who are advised not to have vaccinations for medical reasons.

[howabout]

Mine were not advised not to have the vaccine which in itself is a concern for me Suburban - the literature does not give predisposition to immune system disorders as a contra indication. It was my personal assessment.

[Chrisinthemorning]

I know a young woman who is fighting throat cancer. She has been told the likely cause is HPV. Mouth/ throat cancer in on the rise in the young for this reason.
I will be having DS vaccinated- if they won't do boys on the nhs I will pay privately.

[chloesmumtoo]

No you are not alone. I too have been concerned about my DD having it. However my DD has many allergies and has anaphylaxis to peanuts. Has also gone through long term unknown health problems with her stomach. I just ended up not feeling positive to put her body through it especially during her bad health times and with reading all the conflicting information. A nurse at the doctor's surgery was very positive and not concerned at all regarding dd's allergies, however I know dd could be more at risk despite what anyone says. If dd had some sort of mild reaction on the first injection it would then not be continued anyway and be a waist of time putting it into her body. We have put this off for so long now but worrying about it all the same. June was the cut off for her to only have the two doses, goes up to three thereafter. Very difficult decision that has not been taken lightly. I know where you're coming from. There is no clear cut answer

[elvislives2012]

A tenuous Google search of a vaccine isn't research. Investigate medical journals and studies then make your decision.
The HPV vaccine has saved lives and there's a lot out there to support it

[SuburbanRhonda]

I get that people who are offered the vaccine will choose for themselves not to have it after researching it thoroughly.

I do have a problem with parents making a decision for young people who will have to live with the consequences of that decision. And for reasons as illogical as "she's too young".

[sonlypuppyfat]

I think 12 is too young I don't know who is sexually active at that age my girls aren't, I know someone will disagree with me but I made my decision for my girls never mind what everyone else is doing

[Palenopsis]

You've missed the point. You have to give it before they're sexually active, ideally around puberty

[Balletgirlmum]

It's your daughters decision not yours.

[BertrandRussell]

Her choice not yours.

[user1466610292]

I think you need to judge it on a case by case basis. I teach in a secondary school and have seen two years of around 200 girls go for the vaccination without any serious side effects. However I don't personally know if some girls haven't had it because they were advised not to.

People using the too young argument, unfortunately that is because it needs to be before the girls are sexually active and it is shocking what some of them get up to at a young age. I was very niave to it until I started teaching. I certainly wouldn't have dreamed of doing anything like that at that age, but unfortunately times have changed. It is really heartbreaking when you have to call a parent and discuss something like that and most of the time they have no idea. (Obviously this isn't all children at that age - if the school finds out about it, they have a duty of care and have to act on it.)

[SuburbanRhonda]

sonly

Please say you understand that the reason the vaccine is given at age 12 is because that is before most girls are sexually active.

It is ineffective if given after a young person has become sexually active.

Ffs.

[SuburbanRhonda]

Were you living in an enclosed community before you became a teacher, user?

How come you were so unaware of what young people do and have done since time immemorial?

[thisonethennomore]

HPC, I wouldn't hesitate if I had DDs.
I believe that HPV vaccine is potentially life saving and that the benefits out way the risk.
Have a chat with your GP and make an informed choice.