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Many parents have heard of the new "Cervical Cancer Vaccine" that is being marketed by Merck, one of the largest vaccine corporations in the world. What parents are not typically aware of is that Gardasil, the "Cervical Cancer Vaccine," does not completely protect against cervical cancer. In fact, the only thing Gardasil protects women from is an STD that can easily be avoided by making wise sexual decisions.

Despite Gardasil's widespread appeal, parents need to be aware that young girls who are sexually active should still be screen regularly for cervical cancer. Up to 70% of cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papillomma Virus (HPV), but that still leaves 30% of cervical cancers that are not caused by HPV. Gardasil leads parents into a false sense of security because they believe that their daughters will be completely protected from cancer, when in reality, Gardasil offers no protection to young females who are not engaged in sexual activities.

It is more important for parents to talk to their children about sex and making wise sexual decisions than it is for them to get their daughters vaccinated for an STD if they are not sexually active. While many girls are becoming sexually active at a young age, it is unfair to assume that all teenagers are having sex or that all teenagers will contract an STD. Despite the fact that Gardasil is a new vaccine, parents hear the word "cancer" and rush to get their daughters this "miracle shot." Parents need to keep in mind that Gardasil is still a relatively new creation, so the long term side effects are not known. It would be horrible to discover in five years that a daughter does not have HPV, but she has developed an inconvenient side effect from the vaccine.

Learn more about this author, Bethany Jones.
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