Gardasil puts new emphasis on value, safety of childhood vaccines
Especially at this time of year, with the new school season about to start, the issue of childhood vaccinations comes to the forefront. Schools require a number of vaccinations before children can begin classes. The goal, of course, is to keep kids safe. Vaccines are designed to protect children from diseases like chicken pox and mumps – illnesses that can easily spread among children if they are not prevented. Most parents, while concerned about giving their children any type of medical treatments, feel fairly comfortable with administering standard childhood vaccines. However, in 2006 a new type of preventive vaccine was proposed for young girls, which caused concern on many levels. The vaccine is Gardasil, manufactured by Merck & Co.