March 11, 2008
Girls, this just in: the new human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination Gardasil hurts.
Yes, it’s more painful than the tetanus shot or getting your foot stepped on, but the positives of this injection heavily outweigh the negatives.
The shot, which helps to prevent the strain of the virus that can cause cervical cancer, does have side effects, which include redness/soreness at the injection site, fainting, dizziness and other nerve pain.
The immunization requires a series of three shots, but it's not uncommon for girls to stop after one shot because they are so painful.
However, it’s important for every girl to receive this shot before they become sexually active. Receiving one or even two of the shots is not enough to prevent the virus. It is important to make sure girls receive all three shots in a six-month period.
Having a little pain instead of a possibly life-threatening disease is worth it, chicas.
