Spring Break
Gardasil: A shot in the right direction
Kassie Lechner
Issue date: 10/15/08 Section: Lifestyle
|
Gardasil not only protects against certain types of cervical cancer, but it also helps protect against other diseases caused by four strains of HPV. The vaccine is given to girls and young women ages 9 to 26, and is most effective if given before being sexually active, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
"This particular product helps protect against four strains of high risk HPV," Forrest Bright, Family Nurse Practitioner for University Health and Counseling Services, said. "When we say high risk, what we mean is that these viruses have been associated with cervical cancer."
The vaccine is currently being offered at the Ambrose Health Center at $135 per shot, and is given in a series of three shots. The period in which the shots are given is usually six months, with the second shot being given after two months from the first shot, and the third shot after six months, according to the CDC. The shot is usually administered in the upper arm.
"The shot itself doesn't hurt," Alexandra Haroldson, sophomore, said. "It's just like a normal shot. The needle is actually shorter than a normal needle."
Despite some negative feedback of the vaccine causing miscarriages, paralysis and even death, the CDC continues to label the vaccine as being safe and effective, according to their website.
Haroldson said she thinks the shot should be required on campuses.
"I do believe that campuses should make it mandatory," Haroldson said. "I think that it's a smart thing for girls to do. I know there are drawbacks like paralysis, but the risks are so minimal that it would be worth it to get the shot to prevent anything from happening."
Judicial Watch, a public interest group, has been studying the adverse effects of Gardasil. Gardasil went on the market in June 2006, so it is still in the testing phase and final reports of the vaccine won't be made until September 2009, according to a special report on the Judicial Watch Web site. According to an article on the Natural News Web site, Judicial Watch has gathered reports of "21 deaths and 9,749 adverse reactions," but there has been no evidence to directly link the vaccine to the deaths and some of the reactions.
Be the first to comment on this story