HPV vaccine - did you get it for your son or daughter? If not, why?

[Anonymous]

OP here. I am not against this vaccine. Just questioning it as I know there was a lot of controversy and wondering why. Everyone needs to calm down. In general I am sort of amazed that people also don't realize this is a billion dollar industry and not everything put out there (including foods and chemicals) is totally safe cause the CDC says so. I'm sure this vaccine is totally safe and amazing, prevents cancer, etc but curious why there is controversy around it. Were only a few girls paralyzed? Or none? Here is one study
https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/research-briefing/trials-of-hpv-vaccine-may-have-overestimated-its-efficacy-study-finds/20207648.article?firstPass=false

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am pro vaccine but this and the flu shot give me pause.
Don't want a whole debate but just have read so many studies (legit scientific ones) about the long term efficacy not being there and no long term research on fertility issues. I'm more hesitant to give it to my son - but open to all thoughts

My kids are fully vaccinated. HPV is the only one I was on the fence about. The nurse gave my son the shot while I was talking to the dr about it outside.

It was horrific. The shot was painful for days, he had fevers, headache, nausea and a foggy brain for almost three months. His dr said the 2nd shot would be worse in terms of reactions. He was essentially sick an entire summer. The nausea was terrible.

It’s a great concept but I don’t think the risk is worth it but of course it’s just my experience.

[Anonymous]

I’m a little older so the vaccine wasn’t around. I got HPV from my first partner. It seems to have resolved itself and hasn’t recurred, but it was one of the strains that comes with a higher risk of cancer, so I know that’s still dormant in my system. I got my son the shot as soon as he was able. No reactions.

Here’s the deal with vaccines. There are always going to be some people like the PPs child with an adverse reaction who probably shouldn’t get additional shots. You have to reserve the exemptions for those who must not take it and not “oh, I don’t know, something might happen.”. Herd immunity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those that already had their kids get them, did they experience any side effects? Oldest is getting theirs in a couple weeks so I want to know what to expect. Thanks!

My three sons received the vaccine. No side effects. No complaints other than being annoyed that they had to wait for about 20 minutes in the doctor's office to make sure they didn't have any issues. They felt fine. I am glad I got them vaccinated.

That is the type of thing which gives pause to parents, don't you think?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a little older so the vaccine wasn’t around. I got HPV from my first partner. It seems to have resolved itself and hasn’t recurred, but it was one of the strains that comes with a higher risk of cancer, so I know that’s still dormant in my system. I got my son the shot as soon as he was able. No reactions.

Here’s the deal with vaccines. There are always going to be some people like the PPs child with an adverse reaction who probably shouldn’t get additional shots. You have to reserve the exemptions for those who must not take it and not “oh, I don’t know, something might happen.”. Herd immunity.

Yeah, but who wants their kid to be the one to have the adverse reaction?

[Anonymous]

DD is 11. She got the first round at 10 and the second this year at 11. A little arm soreness but a Frappuccino post doctor appointment seemed to fix it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those that already had their kids get them, did they experience any side effects? Oldest is getting theirs in a couple weeks so I want to know what to expect. Thanks!

My three sons received the vaccine. No side effects. No complaints other than being annoyed that they had to wait for about 20 minutes in the doctor's office to make sure they didn't have any issues. They felt fine. I am glad I got them vaccinated.

That is the type of thing which gives pause to parents, don't you think?

They do that because fainting is a common side effect for teens and vaccines. They aren't making you wait because they expect something dire to happen in 20 minutes.

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/fainting.html#:~:text=Fainting%20can%20be%20triggered%20by,HPV%2C%20MCV4%2C%20and%20Tdap.

[Anonymous]

I did. When my 12 yo DD went for her well visit, the doctors recommended it.

Honestly, I should have waited. There isn’t need for it at 12. Everyone is different, but I think closer to high school age makes sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those that already had their kids get them, did they experience any side effects? Oldest is getting theirs in a couple weeks so I want to know what to expect. Thanks!

My three sons received the vaccine. No side effects. No complaints other than being annoyed that they had to wait for about 20 minutes in the doctor's office to make sure they didn't have any issues. They felt fine. I am glad I got them vaccinated.

That is the type of thing which gives pause to parents, don't you think?

My kids had to wait 30 minutes after they get EVERY vaccine. Not just this one. Jesus fing Christ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The most preventable form of cancer out there. It's unnecessary to get the vaccine early on.

Um, what does that mean? The vaccine is MOST effective if given prior to any sexual activity. You HAVE to get it early on. Many teams are sexually active, hate to break it to you. The virus is commonly transmitted - >50% of us have it.
If you have HPV, the cancer risk starts right then and there. I know 20 and 30 year olds who have died from cervical cancer.

You're right - HPV leaves the body naturally for most people. Most sexually active people get HPV at some point but it remains in the body for a small % of folks. That said, I worked in the HPV industry for years and the bottom line with this vaccine is: it doesn't cover all strains (esp the more virulent ones), there are potential side affects that we just don't have enough data on, and if your kid is not sexually active, you don't need it. For those folks that have HPV, regular HPV testing and paps catch it early on and it can be remediated. I am not anti-vaxxer - just b/c you don't completely support all vaccines 100% doesn't mean you are anti vaxxer.

[Anonymous]

It wasn't even a conversation at our doctor's office. Pediatrician just said "he's getting x and y vaccine today" and then told him what each prevented. We didn't have to wait 20 minutes and he had no reaction. I have plenty of friends with HPV so I am all for vaccinating.

[Anonymous]

I had HPV and got both of my boys vaccinated. No side effects. Kinda wish I'd gotten it myself in my 40s. Now I'm 50 and it's no longer recommended.

[Anonymous]

12yo DS - yes
9yo DS will also get it when it’s time

All vaccines carry some risk of side effects. Overall, the risks of HPV outweigh the risks of the vaccine, at least for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those that already had their kids get them, did they experience any side effects? Oldest is getting theirs in a couple weeks so I want to know what to expect. Thanks!

My three sons received the vaccine. No side effects. No complaints other than being annoyed that they had to wait for about 20 minutes in the doctor's office to make sure they didn't have any issues. They felt fine. I am glad I got them vaccinated.

That is the type of thing which gives pause to parents, don't you think?

Um, we do the same thing after every allergy shot. Do allergy shots give you pause?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:my 12 YO is getting his today. Father is a pediatrician.

I am this PP. We just got home. Nurse recommended he sit for a few minutes as sometimes kids feel dizzy after. Took him to McDonald's as a treat and all is well.