Don't Withhold Vaccines to Influence Behavior

Wearing a helmet when you ride a bicycle does not make you a more reckless bike rider. By the same logic, having your daughter receive the HPV vaccine should not make her any more prone to engage in at-risk behavior.

While the vaccine provides significant protection, it does not protect against all forms of cervical cancers. It will still be important that women who receive the vaccine to exercise good judgment and to continue getting screened for cervical cancer. Still, the prospect of a 70% reduction in cervical cancer makes this vaccine a sound and important investment in your daughter's health.