CDC Recommends Boys Be Vaccinated Against HPV
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - A recent recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control is creating new debate over the HPV vaccine.
A panel with the CDC is recommending boys as young as 11 should be vaccinated for the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV.
The vaccine is already controversial because of guidelines suggesting young girls take it, despite the fact it's meant to stop the spread of a sexually transmitted disease that has been known to cause cancer.
Many parents feels vaccinating at such a young age encourages children to have sex. Others have raised issue with perceived side effects of the vaccine, but supporters say this is about protecting children and preventing disease.
The vaccine was first recommended for girls in 2006, and has recently become a campaign issue for Republican candidates for President.
Doctors say despite all of the implications, the vaccine has been proven to stop the spread of HPV, and that the virus is causing more instances of cancer in both sexes than initially believed.
According to the CDC, HPV now accounts for 95 percent of cervical cancers, and 50 percent of head and neck cancers internationally. The advisory panel is now recommending boys be vaccinates because of a rise in anal and throat cancers in connection with HPV infection.
The CDC is planning to launch an educational campaign for both patients and parents.
