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Individuals on the Left should look at the HPV vaccine from a more logical stand point. My concern is that representatives from Big Pharma have come in and offered a promise of no cervical cancer. This vaccine protects against only some cancer causing strains of HPV, is brand new, has been minimally tested (only 11,000 test subjects), and some states (whose elected officials have accepted thousands of dollars from Big Pharma) want to make it mandatory?!
It’s a three dose process, at $120 a dose, which insurance may or may not cover! I am also concerned that women who have had this vaccination will forego necessary annual medical examinations that could detect cervical and other forms of cancer. This illustration has a very narrow and dangerous view of this debate. The Christian Right Wing has made this vaccine a morality issue, but it’s up to the Left to make it a logic issue.
people on the Right should reaiize that this virus is transmitted by males with whom (no one cares) has already had sex with someone infected. Little virgin girl is infected by her one and only as it is noncontroversial for “boys to be boys” and therefore primary carriers. Why isn’t the Right concerned about the roll of males in the spread of this cancer?
Are you claiming that lesbians cannot transmit the virus?
Erika,
It would make sense for insurance to cover the vaccine because it leads to a serious reduction in health-care costs for cervical cancer down the line. So, even Texas Republican Governor Perry has the right idea by making the vaccination mandatory. Left, right and centrists should pressure for insurance companies to cover the vaccine as it reduces the burden placed on our healthcare system by cervical cancer (and leads to a reduction in their cost outlay). See the Hep A-B combo vaccine for a good example — Hep B is also sexually transmitted. The cost is about the same, insurance covers it, and it is mandatory for the majority of college students.
It is quite simply concern for the public health that motivates the vaccination process.
Also of note: The cost of the vaccine is definitely not a problem created by the left, as the right is responsible for tying the governments’ hands in negotiating with Big Pharma on pricing. Thank you W.
A few things to note:
The vaccine (Gardasil) protects against the HPV strains that cause 70% of cervical cancers. It proved to be 100% effective against cervical pre-cancers and genital warts [caused by the targeted strains]. Not bad.
There is a federal program (VFC) that provides free vaccines to children who are uninsured, medicaid-eligible…
I hear you, Patty. In fact, male vaccination would be really helpful to achieve herd-immunity. But it’s hard to convince people to vaccinate their children for the benefit of others.
Individuals on the Left should look at the HPV vaccine from a more logical stand point. My concern is that representatives from Big Pharma have come in and offered a promise of no cervical cancer. This vaccine protects against only some cancer causing strains of HPV, is brand new, has been minimally tested (only 11,000 test subjects), and some states (whose elected officials have accepted thousands of dollars from Big Pharma) want to make it mandatory?!
— Erika - Mar 2, 01:07 PM - #It’s a three dose process, at $120 a dose, which insurance may or may not cover! I am also concerned that women who have had this vaccination will forego necessary annual medical examinations that could detect cervical and other forms of cancer. This illustration has a very narrow and dangerous view of this debate. The Christian Right Wing has made this vaccine a morality issue, but it’s up to the Left to make it a logic issue.
people on the Right should reaiize that this virus is transmitted by males with whom (no one cares) has already had sex with someone infected. Little virgin girl is infected by her one and only as it is noncontroversial for “boys to be boys” and therefore primary carriers. Why isn’t the Right concerned about the roll of males in the spread of this cancer?
— Patty - Mar 2, 11:14 PM - #Patty,
Are you claiming that lesbians cannot transmit the virus?
Erika,
It would make sense for insurance to cover the vaccine because it leads to a serious reduction in health-care costs for cervical cancer down the line. So, even Texas Republican Governor Perry has the right idea by making the vaccination mandatory. Left, right and centrists should pressure for insurance companies to cover the vaccine as it reduces the burden placed on our healthcare system by cervical cancer (and leads to a reduction in their cost outlay). See the Hep A-B combo vaccine for a good example — Hep B is also sexually transmitted. The cost is about the same, insurance covers it, and it is mandatory for the majority of college students.
It is quite simply concern for the public health that motivates the vaccination process.
Also of note: The cost of the vaccine is definitely not a problem created by the left, as the right is responsible for tying the governments’ hands in negotiating with Big Pharma on pricing. Thank you W.
— Charlie McDonald - Mar 5, 10:42 AM - #Hi, Erika-
A few things to note:
The vaccine (Gardasil) protects against the HPV strains that cause 70% of cervical cancers. It proved to be 100% effective against cervical pre-cancers and genital warts [caused by the targeted strains]. Not bad.
There is a federal program (VFC) that provides free vaccines to children who are uninsured, medicaid-eligible…
I hear you, Patty. In fact, male vaccination would be really helpful to achieve herd-immunity. But it’s hard to convince people to vaccinate their children for the benefit of others.
— Andy - Apr 7, 05:41 PM - #