The Center for Disease Control recommends that females between the ages of 9 and 26 get immunized. But there is a debate spreading across the country over whether vaccinating young girls promotes promiscuity.
The cervical cancer vaccine was designed to prevent four different strains of the Human Papilloma Virus, which can cause a number of infections and cervical cancer.
There is controversy surrounding this vaccine. Some social conservative groups across the country argue that making it mandatory in school age girls sends an anti – abstinence message. But despite the debate several Grand Valley doctors are recommending the vaccine to their patients.
24 year old Heather Chapman's doctor recommended the vaccine when she went in for her annual exam. Chapman says the prick in the arm is worth it.
Social factors aside, family physicians see the vaccination as an opportunity for some dialogue. It is also an opportunity for parents to get educated. Chapman, who is also a mother of two daughters, will make sure that her two are immunized.
Earlier this month, the state of Texas made it mandatory that girls entering into the sixth grade be vaccinated. Several other states, including Colorado may follow suit.
