Lets talk HPV and Gardisil...

You do know it was approved as a vaccine for both males (9-26)and females (9-45), yet in Ontario people are having trouble having their boys vaccinated. The mass inoculation of girls in grade 8 during the 2007/2008 school year showed some support for the prevention of the spread of HPV. But I think it was kind of lop-sided. Why just the girls?  Why not boys as well? Men can carry and pass the virus. Yes, women can get cervical cancer and the push is to help prevent this, but why not try to prevent other cancers and warts as well? It only makes sense to make sure everyone is protected.

So perhaps its time to change the vaccination plan and add on the boys all across Canada.

PEI recently approved to expand the program to boys and Australia has been vaccinated boys and girls with great success. It is rumoured that they will be able to eradicate warts with their aggressive attack on HPV. Smart move I say.

This isn't about assuming young people are having sex, this is about assuming they eventually will and by that time it could be too late.  Proper sex education including condom negotiation skills and abstinence support is still needed, but the shot just makes sense in the reality of reproductive health.

FYI:
If you want to have the shot and you have medical coverage for prescriptions you might be able to have all three shots paid for. Beware that some insurance companies will not cover it for males. You will need to figure that out by calling your insurance company with the products DIN (drug information number on the package). Your doctor or pharmacist might be able to help you.

Further info:

+HPV Vaccine: Obstetricians and gynaecologists Group Calls For HPV Vaccine For Boys

  By Helen Branswell
  http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/04/25/hpv-vaccine-boys_n_3155724.html

+Immunization Strategies by Province
  http://www.hpvinfo.ca/parents/hpv-vaccination/hpv-immunization-strategies-by-province/