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Killing Off Cancer
"I’ve been wondering, should I get the vaccine?"
By Alana Germany
Listen to this Commentary!
There's been a lot of hype about the new HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer and is being recommended for girls ages 9 to twenty-six. Many states around the country are considering mandating it, including Texas and California. Meanwhile young women and their parents are trying to sort through all the information to decide whether or not they should get the vaccine. Youth Radio's Alana Germany investigated the issue. (April 1 on KCBS)
The past few weeks, every time I take a seat to relax and watch a little TV, I see that new commercial advertising the vaccine Gardasil, that was developed to prevent cervical cancer.
I learned about cervical cancer in my high school health class. Now I see these commercials, and the statistics about how many women will be affected by the HPV virus, how it leads to cervical cancer. I’ve been wondering, should I get the vaccine?
The CDC is recommending that girls get the vaccine as soon as possible, starting as young as nine. And there are 20 states, including California, considering contraversial laws that will require girls in middle school to be vaccinated.
And I think, since there is a vaccine available, everyone who wants it should be able to get it, regardless of their financial situation. But even if I’m able to get it for free, that doesn’t mean I will.
This isn’t a decision I have to make right away. I'm 17, and the vaccine is recommended for girls up to age 26. I’ll feel a lot more comfortable getting the vaccine after there are more statistics that about its effectiveness over time.
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