preview

The Importance Of Human Papillomavirus ( Hpv Vaccine For School Aged Children

Better Essays
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease that is believed to be the precursor of several cancers, especially cervical cancer. Scientists have developed two vaccines believed to prevent several strains of the virus. Much controversy has surrounded the birth of these vaccines because law makers want to make the vaccine mandatory for school-aged children. The public is outraged and therefore the controversy regarding the use of the vaccine is growing. However, there are many studies showing that the vaccine is safe to use and that it has been effective in lowering the rate of cervical cancer. The goal of this paper is to discuss the barriers associated with the HPV vaccine for school-aged females…show more content…
The intervention for this population group is to receive the HPV vaccine in comparison to not getting the HPV vaccine. The overall outcome in the application of the intervention is to decrease the prevalence of cervical cancers, improve quality of life, and promote awareness about HPV associated morbidities.
Importance & Significance
There are over a hundred strains of HPV but the most high risk strains, 16 and 18, have been shown to cause vulvar, vaginal, anal, and the most concerning, cervical cancer (Chan, Ng, & Wong, 2012). Cervical cancer, if detected early, is usually treatable. Regular screenings with Pap tests is critical for early detection. However, despite the extensive accessibility of Pap testing, disparities in cervical cancer still persist (United States Preventive Services Task Force, 2012).
As the HPV vaccines become more popular, so has the heated debate concerning its practice. The people who are not receptive to vaccination are uneasy about factors associated with the vaccine. Since HPV vaccines are being introduced at such a young age, parents are having trouble associating the thought of sex and their children. On the other hand, if their children do get vaccinated, parents fear that it may promote sexual promiscuity (Zimet, Rosberger, Fisher, Perez, & Stupiansky, 2013). In addition to parents ' concerns regarding sex and their children, the public undoubtedly has concerns regarding its safety. Because the vaccine is still fairly
Get Access