A New Vaccine for Girls
And the consensus in the medical establishment is that girls should be vaccinated before they become sexually active. T
That leaves parents with an interesting quandary: Should they have their daughters' vaccinated at this young age, and if so, what kind of conversation will they have about it? For parents, who have avoided having the Facts of Life talk with their kids, this could pose a real challenge. On the other hand, if you don't vaccinate your daughter before she is sexually active, that could pose a real and unnecessary risk to her health.
My oldest daughter is about to turn 11; I'm sure she'll get the vaccine. And I'm sure we'll have an awkward conversation about it (even though we have had many conversations with both our daughters about sex.) THe conversation will probably go like this:
Me: So, this vaccine can prevent sexually transmitted diseases that can lead to cervical cancer.
Her: GROSS! I am not going to have sex so why do I need this?
Me: Well, I understand it seems gross now. It did to me when I was your age. But when you're an adult and you fall in love, you probably will fee differently.
Her: No, I won't. I don't want to have children EVER. And if I do, I will adopt.
Me: I can understand you feeling that way now, but you might feel differently when you're an adult in love.
Her: That's like a hundred years away. So why can't I get it then?
Me: Because by the time you're 25, you may forget about this vaccine. Scientists think it's better to get it long before you are sexually active.
Her: But why?
Me: I just told you!
Her: GROSS!
Stumble It!
posted by pam at 10:06 AM
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