 |
| The HPV vaccine, Gardasil. Retrieved from http://docakilah.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/killerdrug.jpg |
Fortunately, two HPV vaccines, Cervarix and Gardasil, are now available. They are given as a three-shot serious over a period of six months. The CDC recommends that the HPV vaccine be given to both girls and boys, beginning at ages 11 or 12 (CDC, 2013). Studies conducted by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the CDC show that the HPV vaccines are safe and effective (CDC, 2013). Yet, ideas about whether or not and when the vaccine should be given are wrought with controversy. A recent article by Kari Reiber of the Poughkeepsie Journal examines the success of, as well as the resistance to, the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccination rate is 80% in most developed countries, yet it is only 32% in the United States (Reiber, 2013). So why is the vaccination rate so low in the U.S.?
Unfortunately, many parents are resistant to the idea of vaccinating their child against a sexually transmitted disease before they become sexually active. However, all three shots of the HPV vaccine must be given before potential exposure to HPV in order to achieve maximum effect and the vaccine is more effective when given at that age (Reiber, 2013).
In addition, lack of knowledge and confusion about the effectiveness of the vaccine contributes to the resistance. Reiber (2013) references a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases that found that since the HPV vaccines were made available four years ago, the prevalence of HPV in females has declined by half. In addition, in the United States each year, 26,000 men and women are diagnosed with an HPV-related cancer (CDC, 2013). In other words, each year, 26,000 cases of cancer could potentially be prevented with vaccination. Dr. Thomas Frieden, the Director of the CDC, states, "It is possible to protect the next generation from (HPV related) cancer, and we need to do it (Reiber, 2013, p. 2)."
Nurses and other health care providers, especially those who work in primary care, can play an important role in educating preteens and their parents on the major benefits of receiving the HPV vaccine as well as all other vaccines. Vaccinations are an important component of primary prevention and are most effective when the recommended schedule is followed. Nurses and other health care providers can provide unbiased and accurate information about the human papillomavirus and vaccine.
Thanks Jen for posting. Here is a link to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on evidence and causality research that advises the government, indicating their findings about the safety of vaccines. It's a pretty long report but has information relating to all vaccines. It's pretty lengthy but has some good information.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.iom.edu/Reports/2011/Adverse-Effects-of-Vaccines-Evidence-and-Causality.aspx
Promoting herd immunity when it comes to the HPV vaccine along with other vaccines is such a powerful preventative tool that we can educate ourselves and our patients about.
I agree that lack of knowledge and confusion regarding the effectiveness are barriers encountered with the Gardasil vaccine. I was curious about insurance coverage and found the following information online: "The cost of the HPV vaccine is $195 plus an administration fee of $27 per injection. Three shots are required to complete the series." When I was younger my mother insisted that I receive the series of injections regardless of the fact that my insurance did not completely cover the series. However, due to one's socioeconomic status, paying out of pocket for the vaccine may not be an option, and therefore, another barrier encountered. I wonder if the Affordable Care Act will now cover this since it is considered a preventative measure?
ReplyDeleteSource: http://www.med.umich.edu/1info/fhp/practiceguides/adult.imms/Current-HPV-Vaccine-Insurance-Coverage.pdf
Jen, your post shows once again that education and prevention are the best two treatments in healthcare. With the wide variety of information accessible through the internet, it is easy for those not associated in healthcare to assume the worst. Unfortunately, people tend to stretch the truth and base their opinions on what they hear rather than reading a credible source. I think part of the nurses duty should not only be to give the correct information, but also to teach the public how to find valid research and facts concerning vaccines or other drugs.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jen. This is a very hot topic. Vaccines seem to be a point of confusion for many people these days with so many opinionated arguments from all across the spectrum of professionals (health care, research, politicians, and otherwise). It is the right and duty of each person in this society to hear both sides of the argument on vaccines before making an informed decision to receive one. You make an excellent point about preventing tens of thousands of cancer cases each year simply by getting the HPV vaccine. As research and technology continues to improve and evolve our healthcare practices, we gain more and more resources to keep ourselves healthy and prevent the spread of disease. However, it is up to us to utilize what's available.
ReplyDeleteI agree Jen. This lack of education can really stand in the way of getting people vaccinated. Growing up in Canada one of the barriers to getting the vaccine is the cost. For some reason the HPV vaccine is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. Therefore, it costs nearly $500 to get the series of vaccinations. Nonetheless, continuous education for parents should be available to relay the importance of getting vaccinated. It would be helpful to make sure primary care physicians, nurses, and school teachers are all involved in educating the parents of adolescents.
ReplyDelete