As the debate over the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine rages on, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently made a recommendation stating that boys, and not just girls, should receive the shot. While many parents remain torn over whether they feel comfortable allowing children as young as 11 to be vaccinated for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), Men’s Health Network recently came out in support of the suggestion from the CDC.
“[We applaud] today’s decision by the advisory committee to recommend vaccination against HPV for boys and young men. This decision is a leap forward in protecting the health of men and boys and preventing cancer,” said the organization.
The CDC states that HPV is the most common STD in the country, and that the infection can potentially lead to cervical and other forms of cancer such as anal and throat. While these claims are not the subject of debate, the concept of vaccinating children for an STD continues to spark controversy. While some people may not support the decision to mandate that all middle school students receive this shot, everyone can get behind the idea of making sure children understand the dangers of STDs.
Tags: HPV, human papillomavirus, sexually transmitted diseases, STDs
