Guarded Regarding Gardasil

Des' mom made her 'request' that Des get the new HPV vaccine. I was skeptical and suspicious of this new wonder drug; it was pushed through rather quickly. (Especially in Texas, where the lobbyist for the manufacturer is a pal of the governor. The manufacturer and the lobbyist stand to see lots of money from this mandatory vaccination of young women.)

While it's true that my Autism-spectrum daughter makes me re-think vaccinations in general (all my kids have their vaccinations, but I think about them long and hard because for every study which refutes a connection between Autism and vaccinations, another suggests it strongly), I was worried about Gardasil. What are the side-effects, long-term consequences? And why when most women's issues in this administration are completely, utterly ignored (or made worse) was this so quickly pushed through testing?

Seems I'm not crazy to be suspicious either.

I remain guarded against Gardasil and urge you all to be so as well.

Still Guarded Regarding Gardasil

Remember when I blogged about Gardasil? Well, Des started the vaccine -- against my wishes; it's hard for step-moms to out-vote biological parents & a physician pushing it.

My thoughts on the Bush nepotism aside (you know I've never been a fan); my thoughts on the sexism in this vaccine (males are carriers & "vectors" of HPV, but they neither have a vaccine nor a requirement to take it) aside; seems there's enough concern about the vaccine to warrant CNN attention on Empowered Patient. Check out all the conversation regarding the Gardasil controversies at TwitterMoms.

I do hope the conversation will stay way from the moral majority/Christian BS (young women & men have the right to the facts, not be forcefed your belief systems, thankyouverymuch) and focus on what matters: the health of our children & young women, so I've sent in my email.