New HPV drugs approved for boys and girls

Since we're all sick of hearing about the Swine Flu vaccine, let's switch it up. How do you feel about the recent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine news?

Last week, the FDA approved the controversial Gardasil vaccine for boys ages 9 to 26. Guardasil protects against four (6, 11, 16, and 18) of the 40 strains of the HPV virus found in the genital area that causes cervical cancer in girls and warts in boys. The virus can also lead to cancer of the penis and anus in boys.

Also this week, a new HPV vaccine for girls was approved. It's called Cervavix and it's for women ages 10-25 to protect against HPV 16 and 18, two of the same covered in the Gardasil shot. I'm waiting for someone to tell me why this isn't redundant.

It's too soon to tell whether these shots will be placed on the pediatrician's recommended list of vaccines or not, but seeing how keen doctors are on recommending it for girls, it's certainly likely.

While 20 million Americans are infected with HPV, most will be able to fight off the infection naturally. About 1 percent of sexually active men in the U.S. will develop genital warts from HPV, the CDC said.

There's a vast sea of opinions on Gardasil for girls on CafeMom. Some moms feel it's too new to give to girls or it's unnecessary since their children are not sexually active. Others willingly vaccinate their girls without reservation.

So, what's your opinion on Gardasil for boys? Will your young man get the shot?

Written by Cynthia Dermody for CafeMom's Big Kid Buzz


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