Would you get the Gardasil vax for your daughter?
After reading Cindy Billhartz’s story about the increased risk of contracting oral cancer by having oral sex, I revisited my whole discomfort with the Gardasil vaccination for young girls and women.
While vaccinations have undoubtedly saved millions of lives and stopped the spread of horrible diseases, I do think we’ve swung a little too far in mandating so many vaccinations. Gardasil is not required by law and it does not guarantee immunity against cervical or oral cancer. It reduces the risk for contracting the virus which can lead to these cancers.
I do think health teachers should point out the possible health risks of oral sex since too many young people believe it is “not really sex,” and are way too casual about it. This story should be required reading for middle schoolers!
Aisha covered education and breaking news for nearly ten years before joining the Lifestyle staff where she writes a "Dirty Laundry" parenting column. She is the home and family editor and wastes too much time on Facebook and political blogs. 
“not really sex” Is there any other statement that tells you how stupid this person is? This is part of the results for not requiring your child to earn what they get. They want it now, and they get it now. They’re happy now, and they’ll regret it later (after their cancer appears or their looks go south, and they have no depth to their relationship with their partner(s)).
This person is not stupid…saying that many young people believe oral sex is “not really sex” is the truth. I am a 21 year old girl that has spent many monday mornings (starting in the 7th grade) hearing stories of peoples weekends that included oral sex with random and sometimes numerous people. Kids think that since there is no chance of pregnancy there isn’t much else to worry about. Unfortunately there is, and they need to be educated on it at soon as possible to prevent things like these diseases from happening.
I agree with Steve.Wake up! So many parents today are blind or dont want to see how the world is today.I think children these days should be made aware and shown just how unly the world is out there with all the diseases now and growing , I dont see anything wrong with the schools trying to make them be aware or educate them,but then you have the parents who are blind who complain that its not fair for their children to learn that in school.Come on dont be a fool.
I don’t disagree with the education portion of this post, but what about the vaccination itself? Are you advising education in lieu of, or in addition to?
I discussed the oral cancer with my teenage sons and of course they were grossed out that their mother was discussing it with them. I don’t care if it makes them uncomfortable, I just want them to realize that their choices could have serious consequences. If I had daughters I would educate and have them vaccinated. I don’t know if what I say really gets through to my teenagers. They don’t believe they can get an STD because they are young and invincible. From my experience working as a nurse in an ER I know otherwise.