Sunday, August 24, 2008

HPV VACCINE NOT SWAYING MOTHERS

Sex doesn't sway mothers on HPV vaccine
GALVESTON, Texas (UPI) -- The view that many moms don't get daughters vaccinated against human papillomavirus because they oppose sex before marriage is untrue, a U.S. study indicates.

Study lead author Susan Rosenthal of the University of Texas Medical Branch said a federal advisory committee recommends all females ages 11 to 12 routinely receive the HPV vaccine. Some critics oppose mandatory vaccinations because of concerns they would promote sexual activity.

The researchers surveyed 153 mothers and guardians of daughters ages 11 to 17 who visited a pediatric clinic in Galveston, Texas, in 2007 and 2008.

The study, published in the September issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health, said a statistical analysis found that the women's views on sexuality and intercourse before marriage had little to do with their vaccine decisions.

"The families who are struggling with what to do about this vaccine are focused on issues like safety" instead of sexual morality, Rosenthal said said in a statement. "They want us to have more experience with it and have it used by more people"

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

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