Ask Amy: Health Watch

HPV Vaccine

I wanted to share this health story with all of you ... it’s airing in our 5pm newscast today. It’s about the HPV vaccine, Guardasil (I am sure many of you have seen the commercials on television) and it’s recommended teens get the vaccine before they become sexually active. So you have the background information, studies show the vaccine can prevent against some strains of the human papillomavirus. Cervical cancer is mostly caused by HPV. Doctors are quick to point out if you have HPV that doesn’t mean you’ll get cancer. In fact 60 to 70 percent of sexually active adults come in contact with the virus but in some cases individuals own immune system is able to fight it off. Cervical cancer is when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. In most cases, it can be cured if it is caught early through a pap test.

Now the story airing tonight is about a new study that finds allergic reactions to the HPV vaccine are higher than other common immunizations.
An Australian study finds the rate of anaphylaxis which causes breathing problems, nausea and rashes is about five to 20 times higher for the HPV vaccine. While doctors should be sure to recognize any signs of anaphylaxis after giving the vaccine, they stress these instances are still rare and say the vaccine is completely safe.

Just wanted to make you aware of the information and if you have questions be sure to talk to your doctor.

Amy

I’m glad you brought out that it is for the sexully active.  The commercial does not say that and really should!!!

Amy did you see the new Dr’s program yesterday? I was very concerned after hearing what the young teen was going through that had the vaccine.  Also I thought the young cute dr was a bit hard on the lady(in the audience) that disagrees with the vaccine. He basically dismissed what she had to say.So did the other Dr’s for that matter. They just went on talking like she had never made her comments. She had some good comments.  Would you folks consider interviewing her? Thanks!