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Panel Endorses HPV Vaccine for Boys
By camilledoty in Camille's Corner
October 27, 2011

A federal advisory committee advised boys and young men should be vaccinated against HPV, or human papillomavirus,to protect against certain cancers that could result from sexual activity.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made this suggestion, but not without criticism of course.

Gardasil, the HPV vaccine manufactured by Merck, protects against only 8% or 9% of cervical cancers according to WebMD. Patients receiving the vaccine need three rounds of shots, which cost $120 per dose.

Parents and politicians are divided about the issue.Other Republican presidential candidates blasted Gov. Rick Perry for trying to require that girls in his state be vaccinated. It's still a hard sell to vaccinate girls, and it's probably tougher for boys. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease. Some people diagnosed with HPV can fight it off with their immune system, but some infections lead to warts or cancer.

Do you think children should be vaccinated?