Gardasil: Why I Decided to be "One Less"
Submitted by Angela on Tue, 10/27/2009 - 12:29
In June 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new vaccine, Gardasil, for the prevention of cervical cancer and other diseases related to the Human Papillomavirus. A few months later, I chose to get vaccinated, and I’m glad I did.
I really didn’t have a strong reason for getting vaccinated, other than the fact that I am a woman and my health is a top priority. I don’t personally know anyone with cervical cancer, but based on my research and my discussions with my doctor, I decided to go ahead with it.
I didn’t die. I didn’t experience any severe side effects. The worst part about getting the Gardasil vaccine was that my arm was slightly sore around the injection site for a few hours, but it was hardly noticeable. I am one of millions of women who chose to be “one less.”
For those women who are debating whether or not to get vaccinated, I strongly encourage you to take a look at this eye-opening post from Information is Beautiful—it really puts things into perspective.
For example, while there is a 1 in 145,000 chance of dying from the HPV vaccine, there is a 1 in 500 chance of dying from cervical cancer. You’re also more likely to die in a train crash, earthquake, or from being struck by lightening. With those odds, it’s hard to second-guess my decision.
However, I know the vaccine isn’t right for everyone. Getting vaccinated is a choice and one that every woman needs to at least consider. Talk to your doctor and get regular checkups, because when it comes to your health, you don’t want to get caught with your guard down.
Are you “one less”? Or, did you decide against Gardasil? For what reasons?
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Comments
Fisrt I would like to thank
Fisrt I would like to thank you Karen for sharing your story with us. I am really very sorry for you that you have such a terrible disease. Cervical cancer is really very dangerous disease that is spread amongst women. I think those who are suffering from cervical cancer should consult their doctors or physicians before taking any vaccinations as this might can have some serious side effects.
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Peace of mind
I got this vaccine after consulting my physician, too. The shots were not bad at all. I thought I'd rather be safe than sorry especially since cancer runs in the family. It gave me some peace of mind to have one less thing to worry about (although I know it does not protect against all types of HPV). I agree, our health and well-being is a top priority.
I went in to get this shot a
I went in to get this shot a couple years ago, only to find that I didn't meet some requirements. You should consult with your doctor first before getting this or any other shot.
Yes, Definitely
Thanks for sharing your story Karen. I definitely agree that people should always consult their doctor before making these types of decisions.
got it
I don't know if it's because they had a commercial on every channel raising awareness last year or the year before, but I got it. And I spread the word out to all my friends to get it. Insurance covered it all. The worst part was just that it hurt. The nurse said it's because it's kept cold, but it was painful, and I'm not that bad at getting shots. Just FYI
Didn't Know That
The commercials were definitely all over the place. I do agree with you on the pain though, although I didn't know it was because the vaccine is kept cold. Interesting...thanks for sharing!
To be honest, I never really
To be honest, I never really thought of getting this vaccine. In general, I tend to risk taking my chances and not get vaccines in general (flu, swine flu) but after hearing first hand stories about getting a certain vaccine, I'm more likely to pick up the phone and call to make an appt. Thanks for the share!