Clear decision

Dear editor:
A close friend asked whether or not her daughter should receive the inoculation of Gardasil—the vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which currently is being provided through our schools.
Following some research, the findings of which are summarized below, a decision has been reached.
There are about 200 different strains of HPV. This immunization may protect the girls against the top four. There is no evidence to suggest that the immunization will be long lasting.
Regular Pap tests will continue to be necessary.
Males also are carriers of this sexually-transmitted infection, and can pass it along to their partners, and yet we are immunizing only our young girls.
There have been numerous serious adverse reactions reported, including Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Bells Palsy, and even three deaths in the U.S. from blood clots.
For more information, please review the medical alert posted on Gardasil at the Canadian Action Party’s website at www.canadianactionparty.ca
You also may wish to review the following:
1. “Maclean’s” magazine (Aug. 27, 2007 edition)
2. Guelphmercury.com article by Jakki Jeffs, dated Aug. 29, at news.guelphmercury.com/article/232524
3. Globe and Mail article by Murray Campbell dated Aug. 2
4. Canadian Press article by Sheryl Ubelacker dated Aug. 2
5. Edmonton Sun article by Lyn Cockburn dated Sept. 14
Another close friend stated, “If we save only one young woman from suffering from the devastation of cervical cancer, we will be successful.”
No one can argue with that; however, the best protection we can offer our daughters is education and information, open dialogue, and avoid the scare tactics of large pharmaceutical companies.
Armed with knowledge, we can protect our young girls.
My response to my friend is clear.
Sincerely,
Donna Kroocmo
Atikokan, Ont.