How Young is Too Young for Wart Vaccinations?
With 2 human papillomavirus vaccines on the market, now we are beginning to see a push for vaccination by doctors and others in the health and medical fields. I recently encountered this campaign when I took my 11-year-old son to the doctor for his checkup. In addition to tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis shot and a meningitis vaccine, I was given information on the recommended HPV vaccine.
Here’s where it gets tricky. Yes, I believe the HPV vaccine can save lives and prevent a great many cases of warts BUT I have a problem with my 11-year-old starting the series of vaccines at such a young age. Why you may ask? Yes, I know that if the entire series of 3 vaccinations are given before sexual activity starts, the vaccine has been proven to be more effective. BUT really, how many 11-year-olds are out there having sex? Yes, my child is rather sheltered. He will be getting the birds and the bees talk from his father this weekend. he wouldn’t be getting it this early if it weren’t for the fact that his school will give it to him if we don’t. I want his dad to give him the talk first, not the school.
But I digress. The point is that I personally believe he is too young for the vaccine. He still has time before starting any sexual activity when he can be vaccinated. Kids today grow up too fast as it is and I feel that this push for parents to vaccinate so early is making our kids grow up even faster. I have to emphasize again that this is my personal opinion. It may change my next year when I take my older 12-year-old to the doctor for his physical. It may not change at all.
I will continue to research the vaccine and its effectiveness, and I hope you will also. The more you know about the HPV vaccine, the more informed educated decision you can make for your family. It all boils down to good decision making for the family unit. I’m so happy that we have the opportunity to learn and be advised about our vaccines before we get them. We truly live in a fabulous country.
We found this deleted article in the way back and are republishing now in 2019 because it is more relevant than ever. As parents across the country oppose enforced vaccinations, wart vaccinations are still a big question mark.
