The HPV Vaccine: Should You Vaccinate Your Kids Or Not?

[Alison H.]

Deciding whether the HPV vaccine benefits outweigh the risks can be a very difficult decision for parents. Have you chosen to get your children vaccinated?

Whether you have decided for or against the HPV vaccine, we are eager to hear your experiences. Remember, this is a judgment-free zone so feel free to share!

Since this is such an important topic, we decided to write an entire article on it to help you make your own informed decision on whether to HPV vaccinate or not. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic!

You can read the full article by clicking here: www.womens-health.com/hpv-vaccine-pros-cons-controversy

[Ashlee T.]

Alison, this is such a fantastic article.

Although I do not yet have children, I have given thought to whether or not I would get them the HPV vaccination. There is so much misinformation out there that it makes the decision an extra difficult one for parents. This article really separates fact from fiction!

Thanks for sharing your own personal story with us, too.

[Alison H.]

Alison, this is such a fantastic article.

Although I do not yet have children, I have given thought to whether or not I would get them the HPV vaccination. There is so much misinformation out there that it makes the decision an extra difficult one for parents. This article really separates fact from fiction!

Thanks for sharing your own personal story with us, too.

Thank you, Ashlee!

I can completely relate. Sometimes it feels like there are two pieces of misinformation for every one piece of genuine information floating around out there. When it comes to making a decision that will affect our children’s health, misinformation does nothing but add to our confusion. And that’s not helping anyone.

I really hope that the piece will enable parents to make an informed choice for their children, whatever they decide.

Part of me also hopes that sharing my own story will encourage not just vaccination, but that it will also serve as a gentle reminder to keep up on those Pap smears. We all hate them… no one ever wakes up on their gyno appointment day thinking to themselves, “YAY! I can’t wait to see that speculum again!”

But they are an important part of our health maintenance, even if they suck.

[jns]

A great article. At age 60, I am beyond the age that the vaccine (Gardasil 9) is approved for. Wikipedia indicates that in many counties the cost is below $5 a dose whereas in the USA it is about $130 a dose (no cost to patient for socialized medicine countries in Europe - is it available on demand or only for at risk patients?). I wonder if the cost has made a difference in the USA as to the level of vaccination.

[Ashlee T.]

jns that is really interesting. Social media, or rather the fact that people all over the world are now communicating on LOTS of different topics, has really brought to light the differences in healthcare costs.

While visiting France a few years ago, the French folks we were with were pointing out places to us and mentioned a hospital. They mentioned that if they need medical care, they can go to the hospital for care with no worries of cost. Yet, here....many people do not go when needed in fear that it will cause them financial hardship. Different worlds, huh?

I recently had some blood done due to a positive Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever test. Then, CDC recommends retest 2 weeks after treatment begins, so I had to pay for the RMSF test TWICE. So far, I have lab bills in for over $300 (and that doesn't include the visit cost.) Due to high-deductible insurance plans, that is out of pocket cost.

As insurance "value" has declined in the U.S. (or it has here, at least) I can only imagine this has and will continue to impact the administration of non-mandatory vaccines, like HPV.

[Alison H.]

jns I wonder the same thing — if vaccination rates are impeded in the United States due to the cost. I was concerned the HPV vaccine wouldn’t be covered by our insurance and with two daughters (one who required 3 shots because she began the series at 15), it would have run more than $650 for both out of pocket. (Insurance did cover them, thankfully.)

Locally, vaccines are available through the county board of health and they do have a reduced-rate vaccine program for families who qualify. (I don’t know how much the price is decreased, only that it is to some degree.)

But I don’t doubt that, beyond the controversy over the vaccine, the cost is a factor for those who are un- or under-insured.

[jns]

jns I wonder the same thing — if vaccination rates are impeded in the United States due to the cost. I was concerned the HPV vaccine wouldn’t be covered by our insurance and with two daughters (one who required 3 shots because she began the series at 15), it would have run more than $650 for both out of pocket. (Insurance did cover them, thankfully.)

Locally, vaccines are available through the county board of health and they do have a reduced-rate vaccine program for families who qualify. (I don’t know how much the price is decreased, only that it is to some degree.)

But I don’t doubt that, beyond the controversy over the vaccine, the cost is a factor for those who are un- or under-insured.

Insurance companies sometimes look at their bottom line to decide on what to cover and what not to cover. I hope all would cover such vaccines but I wouldn't bet on it because what I have read about them not covering reasonable health related things in the past. So cost could be a factor even for some of those who have health insurance.

[Alison H.]

Insurance companies sometimes look at their bottom line to decide on what to cover and what not to cover. I hope all would cover such vaccines but I wouldn't bet on it because what I have read about them not covering reasonable health related things in the past. So cost could be a factor even for some of those who have health insurance.

Oh, I absolutely agree. You would *think* that in the longterm, it would behoove insurance companies to cover something that prevents future cancers (and future medical costs). But there are many things they don't cover, and I'm sure the HPV vaccine is one, at least for some insurancie companies/policies.

[amy40]

HPV can be given up to age 26 now, at least that's what I read

our child had to have 2 vaccines for upcoming school year plus made the eligibility for covid shot, making 4 vaccines in a short amount of time

so passing on HPV for now & probably leave it up to child to decide when they're 18

[jns]

HPV can be given up to age 26 now, at least that's what I read

our child had to have 2 vaccines for upcoming school year plus made the eligibility for covid shot, making 4 vaccines in a short amount of time

so passing on HPV for now & probably leave it up to child to decide when they're 18

If I were you and I could find a way to pay for it, I would get your child vaccinated against HPV. Once vaccinated, the need for testing for HPV goes down. I have never regretted getting vaccinated against various diseases and I'm glad my parents had me vaccinated. If anybody is going to put ideas in a child's head, it should be the parents. Don't cede that territory to someone you don't know.