NAME — Allison Gardner
AGE — 18
In a society where it seems that a person can't watch five minutes of TV without seeing a Claritin, Cialis or Nexium commercial, all the medicines and syndromes become a blur.
For that reason, it's no surprise that most girls are uninformed about Gardasil, one of the newest additions to the pharmaceutical world. It's a drug that is designed to combat sexually transmitted diseases that could lead to cervical cancer.
Before doing research, all I knew about the vaccine was what I remembered from the Gardasil commercial: that is, I remember the catchy "One Less" slogan. I haven't received the vaccine, but I plan on it now after learning of its importance. After speaking with some of my peers, it's clear to me that most girls remain uninformed like I was.
So, who is responsible for that ignorance? Apathetic teens? Maybe. But society shouldn't expect us to watch every drug commercial with rapt attention like it's the latest Harry Potter movie.
Twenty-four states have considered mandating the HPV vaccine for teens and young women. Educating kids and their families about the HPV vaccine is critical, and public health advocates shouldn't depend on the drug company to get the word out.
Thanks to state Sen. Connie Lawson, R-Danville, a state law passed mandating that all sixth-grade girls should get information about the vaccine. But even that's not enough. How about the girls who have already completed sixth grade?
People need to know about HPV and how it can be prevented. A massive public education campaign that reaches everyone, especially teen girls and young adults, should be of utmost importance. Knowledge about HPV prevention will result in fewer cervical-cancer deaths.
Copyright 2007 Y-Press
