I have a 14 year old son. I was going to do the vaccine until my ex said he was concerned. I talked to the pediatrician about it just last week. She didn't have a strong opinion and said it was really up to the parent. She did say you need to get the series 6 months before being sexually active which is tough to calculate and plan for. She also said it was $500 so if insurance won't cover it, she doesn't push it.

I wish there was a clear guideline. I don't want to risk my son getting cancer but I don't want him to have health problems either. Ultimately, because he isn't sexually active and doesn't even date yet, we decided to wait and see if more information comes available. I think when he is dating, I will feel more urgent.

I have a good friend that has HPV. It is a horrible disease. If we can prevent it, it seems we should.

Hi there. Don't know too much about it as I have boys, but here in Canada, HPV vaccine is given in grade 6 and in grade 9 in the schools along with all the regular vaccines. We don't pay for it and it is strongly recommended for all girls to get it. Most moms with girls that I know have had it given to their girls. It is for future protection.

In the U.S., they now recommend it for boys too. Boys not only are carriers, but they can also get cancer from it.

My 15 yr old son has had the series. To the best of my knowledge he is not sexually active, but our family doctor recommended the vaccine and I trust our doctor. He did not say you have to have it 6 months prior to being sexually active, so that is questionable. However, it has been over a year since my son had the series, and so far no side effects that we know of!

My daughter is going to be 22 next month..I got her the vacine when she was 20.. I tried to get the doctor to do a pap too but he said he wouldnt because my daughter was still a virgin.
I would suggest to wait until your daughter is older and you can talk to her about it before she is wanting to have sex.. Hopefully your relationship is open enough to do the such before she would have sex..But yes my recomendations would be to wait til at least sixteen or 18 but let her know she needs it before sex..
These kids these days are given false hopes that a vaccine will actually prevent such diseases..Bt no one also looks at the other factors that have not been proven yet such as what is the age limit of it wearing off if given too early only the need to have it be repeated later.. This has not been proven in the labs yet, for all they know giving it to a 14 yr old may be just a waste..so it is better to wait in my opinion.

My daughter got it. My mother ended up with cervical cancer due to HPV, which she contracted from my father (a benign carrier), her husband of 20 years who turns out was being unfaithful. At any rate...the vaccine came out just after I turned 26 and I wish I had been able to get it myself. The truth is, that at SOME point, he/she will likely have sex, whether now or when they are married, and the vaccine may no longer be an option. My pediatrician recommends it, and I agree. I am not "pro" vaccine either, none of my kids (or me or my husband) ever get flu shots, or anything else that is "optional". Just my opinion!