<p>GT, again, I do not think we should discuss the finer points of Gardasil on a college forum. You asked me to point out the areas I considered imcorrect or incomplete.</p>
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<p>Perhaps you wanted to say something else, but saying “It is most effective for those who have never contracted this sexually transmitted virus” is not correct. Gardasil does not protect against subtypes others that the four listed, and Merck does not claim it can protect you if you are infected with either of them. Fwiw, only 16 and 18 are linked to the development of cervical cancer, and in a correlated manner and not necessarily causative. But that is probably not important to people who consider getting inoculated. </p>
<p>The point here remains that the vaccine is a positive element, but not one that provides the protection that might sold to them. For instance, in a post on the first page, someone who appears to be part of the medical profession claimed that Garsasil was 100 percent effective … something that cannot be true and that will never be claimed by any researcher in the world because of its inherent impossibility. </p>
<p>Well thanks to this discussion I had S vaccinated today. I never thought of having him get the Gardasil vaccination, only my D. He is the first boy this pediatric office has vaccinated and they are rethinking their position of not mentioning it to parents of teenage boys. My insurance states it will pay to vacinate boys with Gardasil up to the age of 18yo and wouldn’t you know S turned 19 about 6 weeks ago! Doc will submit for insurance payment anyway.</p>
<p>^ free in MA also but S just turned 18yo. silly me, I should have looked at this closer previously. Fingers crossed insurance covers the cost. Hopefully the pediatrician does decide to let more parents know for the younger boys.</p>
<p>Just saw a report tonight on ABC World News about the sharp increase in HPV throat cancers among men - scary. They interviewed a young father with Stage 4 throat cancer. </p>
<p>I just wanted to add that my wife is an oncologist whose area of specialization is cancer prevention. Both our daughter and son have received the vaccination.</p>
<p>I follow my Dr’s lead since she has a daughter only a year older than mine. She was on the fence when the vaccine came out years ago, but she now had her freshman daughter and both her sons in their 20s vaccinated. If it’s safe enough for her children, it’s safe enough for me. It takes about 4 months to complete the series and mine will have her last at the end of summer. Check with the colleges your kids will attend in the fall. They may offer the vaccine at drastically discount rates. Her college offers $10 shots for all incoming freshmen.</p>