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Filed under: Your Pregnancy, Health & Safety: Babies, Development/Milestones: Babies, Day Care & Education
Many parents who are hoping to get the much anticipated and newly approved vaccine that helps to prevent cervical cancer are experiencing frustration in either locating the drug or getting their insurance companies to pay for it. The vaccine, which helps to prevent strains of the sexually transmitted disease human papilloma virus, or HPV, from developing into cervical cancer, has been hailed as a medical breakthrough in the medical community. However, because of the novelty of the medication not many insurance companies have approved coverage. The process involves a series of three shots with a price tag of $360 for the series. Over 6 million Americans are diagnosed with HPV every year; however since cervical cancer is the result, mostly women are effected by the disease. The popularity of the advertising campaign has made it one of the most sought after vaccines of all time. Many parents are anxious to have their daughters vaccinated to help prevent a future occurrence of cervical cancer. Most doctors are encouraging families to wait until the new calendar year in hopes that the insurance companies will provide coverage by then.
As I mentioned in a post yesterday, this is a hot topic among parents right now. It brings up family values and promiscuity. It also brings to light that an ounce of prevention can save a life later on down the road. For some families the family values issues will likely deter them from having their children vaccinated. For others, perhaps the cost will be an obstacle. I hope that someday, sooner rather than later, this vaccine will be available for about $10 at the public health clinics just like many others are. I hope it will become as common place as the measles,mumps and rubella vaccinations and that all little girls will receive this shot.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
9-04-2006 @ 9:26AM
M Kemp said..."For some families the family values issues will likely deter them from having their children vaccinated." Yeah, they'd rather risk their daughters dying of cancer than face the thought that their daughters might, just possibly, be sexually active before marriage.
The constraints of good taste, and the rules of this board, prevent me from fully expressing my feelings about those parents.
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9-04-2006 @ 11:17AM
Sandy said...M Kemp, perhaps those parents are instilling a sense of personal responsibility in their daughters and sons. Perhaps they believe that to vaccinate their daughters against this virus gives a wink and a nod to behaviors that lead to contracting this virus. Perhaps their vaccine isn't a medical one, but a moral one.
I'm glad you had the courage to keep vitriolic statements to yourself.
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9-04-2006 @ 11:46AM
LS said...I think that, eventually, like most vaccinations, this one will eventually become more affordable. As demand increases, so will supply. The process of making the vaccine will become more streamlined. It may take a couple of years, but my guess is it will happen.
And I'm one of those who has an internal conflict about many sex-related things... condoms in schools, the approach to sex education... however, if I had a daughter, you can bet your boots I'd get her vaccinated. And I would explain it to her this way: I don't want her having sex until she's in college, at least, with someone she loves and trusts, and even then, I want her protected with the pill and a condom. BUT... the guy she chooses may not have been so careful. HE may have slept with someone else, and may carry an STD. This, to me, is just one more level of protection, and I'm not going to let an internal moral conflict interfere with the health of my daughter.
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9-04-2006 @ 1:18PM
ann adams said...I do my best, as I'm sure do most parents or caretakers, to raise responsible kids. I'd prefer my girls would wait and I'm aware the safest course is abstinence (meaning no sexual contact - they all can transmit disease). Many kids don't seem to understand that - their idea of abstinence is quite different and we probably should go into detail when we talk to them. I have, even though I'm sure I was blushing my way through the conversation.
I do live in the real world and I know that in spite of our best efforts, kids don't have the best judgment. I want living kids, not dead ones, and anything that will help has my approval.
I don't think fear of STD, pregnancy, or many of the other disastrous results of immature behavior is much of a deterrent. Kids never think it will happen to them.
To get back on topic, sure the price will drop. All vaccines are expensive at first. Public Health will pick it up in many states and insurance companies will see the light eventually.
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9-04-2006 @ 2:01PM
Ms Sisyphus said...Sandy, "Moral vaccination" as you put it, is all well and good. And so is personal responsiblilty. These are things we should all be teaching our children. Unfortunately, sex is not a completely personal activitiy. 2 people are involved. And really, when it comes down to it, the only behaviour you can count on is your own. So, while I'll teach my girls that they have value and that they need to respect themselves, I'll not have them rely on the actions of others when it comes to their health. Not when there is a vaccine available that will protect them from the potentially irresponible actions of others.
And yes, I do think that any parent who does otherwise IS being irresponsible with her daughter's health.
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9-06-2006 @ 2:09PM
Linda M. said...If you do decide to vaccinate your daughter(s), please be aware of the CDC guidlines for pricing of the vaccine.
Unfortunately, I have had experience with price gauging for this vaccine.
Visit: http://www.gotnewz.blogspot.com
to read more about my story.
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