Dr. Jen Gunter
vaccines
HPV vaccine almost eliminates genital warts for young women, new study
While the HPV vaccine is an important weapon against cervical cancer, one of the vaccines (Gardasil) also provides coverage against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts. As this vaccine targets 4 types of HPV (16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer as well as 6 and 11) it is called a quadrivalent … Continue reading
Vaccines and Jenny McCarthy: the Oprah mea culpa interview doctors want to see
I am sure Oprah had spectacular ratings for her Lance Armstrong interview and so, in the spirit of truth-telling, I have another mea culpa show for Ms. Winfrey to consider: vaccine safety. Until Jenny McCarthy got major air time the link between vaccines and autism was relatively fringe. But with Oprah in September of 2007 McCarthy, … Continue reading
20% of kids in grade 9 have had oral sex or why your pre-teen should be vaccinated against HPV
Initiating the vaccine series for the human papilloma virus (HPV) by age 11 or 12 is recommended, although many parents balk at a vaccine to prevent a sexually transmitted virus at this tenderly perceived age because, “12 year olds shouldn’t be having sex” or better yet, “My 12-year-old won’t be having sex.” (Just to recap, HPV … Continue reading
HPV vaccine may provide benefit even for women with a history of HPV-related disease
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the virus that causes genital warts, most cervical and vulvar cancers, and many anal cancers. HPV is particularly troublesome because even after optimal treatment recurrence is problematic. Never mind the ongoing risk of cancer, it often takes multiples visits with painful biopsies to closely monitor the situation. Many women … Continue reading
The mainstream media perpetuates HPV vaccine mythology
If there’s a whiff of a story about vaccine safety or controversy, expect the major media outlets to be on it like buzzards on carrion. Michele Bachmann spouts anti-vaccine crap and it’s a headline. Everywhere. Rick Perry back peddles over his HPV vaccine policy in Texas and it’s discussed for days. The war cry of … Continue reading
HPV vaccine does not increase risky sexual behavior (new study)
The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is mired in controversy, or at least it is in the United States where there is a fearful undercurrent about sex and sexuality. (HPV is the virus that causes genital warts and cervical, vaginal, anal, and many head and neck cancers). When the HPV vaccine became available the religious right … Continue reading
What world pneumonia day means to me
I am not a fan of awareness months. The campaigns go on too long and frankly, the pinking of October (or greening, or whatever color has captivated Madison avenue) leaves me feeling like diseases are part of a company’s portfolio. I also don’t appreciate being harassed every time I swipe my credit card at Safeway … Continue reading
Why we need mandatory flu vaccination for health care workers
I get my flu shot every year. I am always one of the first in line. I’ve had the flu. Recently in fact, and it was no picnic. I caught H1N1 in the spring of 2009 (Mother’s Day weekend to be precise), before the vaccine was available. It was horrible…I was flat on my back for … Continue reading
Getting the HPV shot without parental consent in California. What’s the big deal?
There were apparently some ruffled feathers yesterday when Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB499 into law. As of January 2012, children ages 12 and older will be able to get the HPV vaccine without parental consent. The social conservatives think that the vaccine is a license for wanton pre-teen sex and the anti-vaxxers are worried our … Continue reading
HPV is more cancer causing than cigarettes
Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is the cause of almost all cervical cancers. There are specific strains of HPV that are cancer causing, most notably HPV 16 and 18. But what is the risk of getting cancer from HPV? Here are some eye-opening stats. HPV 16 and 18 are more cancer causing than cigarettes. … Continue reading
