The HPV Vaccine: Why Parents Really Choose to Refuse

There has been an effective HPV vaccine available in the UK for years called Gardasil. Both boys and girls are able to get the vaccine, giving them protection against one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK. HPV is also the leading cause of cervical cancer in women.

Despite the vaccine’s safety and proven effectiveness, many parents decide against getting their children vaccinated. This leaves children at risk of several preventable HPV-related complications. While sexually active adults can get the HPV vaccine, it won’t be as effective as it would have been in adolescence.

What is HPV?

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the name given to a common group of viruses that affect the skin. Nearly everyone will get a form of HPV during their lifetime. There are over 100 different types and most don’t cause any problems, but high risk strains of the virus can cause genital warts or certain forms of cancer.

HPV often presents with no noticeable symptoms and can be present in your system for years without you knowing. It is spread through skin-to-skin contact, sexual activity, and sharing sex toys. Using protection during sex can provide some level of protection, but it is still highly possible to get HPV when condoms are used.

Testing for HPV

The only way to test for HPV is through cervical screening. Also known as a pap smear, a sample of cervical cells are taken and tested for the presence of HPV. It’s important to undergo regular cervical screenings so that any changes in cervical cells are caught early.

Men who have sex with men may be able to get anal screenings from some sexual health clinics.

Why Are Some Parents Reluctant?

While parents don’t want to encourage their children and teens to participate in risky behaviours like sexual activity, parents are more worried about the safety of the Gardasil vaccine. Many parents also expressed fear about whether the vaccine is even necessary, especially in parents of boys.

Researchers believe that lack of knowledge about vaccines and about HPV are the reason behind parental reluctance. Given that the vaccine has already shown great promise in reducing certain types of cancer, more public education is needed.

It’s important to remember that health risks with vaccines are extremely rare, including the HPV vaccine. While some people may experience temporary side effects of the HPV vaccine, the benefits of the HPV vaccine far outweigh any risks. Thanks to advances in science, serious diseases that were once common are now far less common. In many cases, these diseases have been virtually eradicated. The more people avoid vaccines, the more likely these diseases will make a comeback.

HPV Vaccination Service from Pearl Chemist Group

We can provide you with friendly, informative, and confidential vaccination services in the privacy of one of our consultation rooms. Whatever your questions or needs, we can help. Contact us today for HPV vaccination service in Tooting or book online for Gardasil HPV vaccine in Merton and Tolworth.