GARDASIL AND THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT YOUNG GIRLS EXPERIENCE FROM TAKING THE VACCINE
Definition and explanation for the bioethical issue:
Gardasil is a vaccine that prevents four types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts (Edgar). The vaccine is administered to mostly teenage girls from ages 12-19. The vaccine is mandatory for school attendance in certain places in the US. This means that girls under age of 18 need their parents’ consent for vaccination. The issue that arises with the Gardasil vaccine is that many girls have experienced side-effects after they were vaccinated. Some of the side effects that result from taking Gardasil include appetite loss, hair loss, paralysis, itching, rashes, nerve pain, fainting, and weakness just to name a few. It is clear that Gardasil has severe consequences for those girls that take the vaccine. Also, some girls don’t show any symptoms immediately after the vaccine, which means that they could not find treatment for the side-effects on time. In some cases, some girls have even passed away after the vaccination. So is the case for Jessie Ericzon, who passed away a few days after her third vaccination (The Truth About Gardasil). Pro: Protect girls and women from six types of HPV. Doctors that administer this type of vaccine assure that teenage girls will be protected against 4 to 6 types of HPV that can be obtained through unprotected behavior
Pro: Protection continues for up to 5 years after taking Gardasil vaccine. The vaccine is supposed to last for more than 1 year and there are two additional Gardasil vaccines that need to be administered. Or if protection will be continue for life time.
Con: Girls who take the Gardasil vaccine experience severe side effects, therefore the vaccine should be avoided. Most patients may experience muscle or joint aches and diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. It’s also recommend for the patients to be seated at least for 15 minutes to get stable. A nerve disorder that cause severe muscle weakness in a period of time.
Con: Certain girls can have an allergic reaction to the Aluminum component of the vaccine should not be taken. Due to the examination the skin reacts and the consequences come later with the previous dose or vaccine component severe illness may show with or without fever. Although the small amount of aluminum is added to vaccine to make it work better. The aluminum will leave some redness and pain were the injection was made.
Works Cited
1. Edgar, Julie. "Should Your Child Get the HPV Vaccine?" HPV Vaccine for Children: Gardasil and Cervix Pros and Cons, Side Effects. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Oct. 2013.
2. "The Truth About Gardasil." The Truth About Gardasil. N.p., 28 Mar. 2013. Web. 08 Oct. 2013.
