HPV Vaccination For Girls: Vital parenting information from Eyewitness News

Moms and daughters have always had lots to talk about. But they now have, what could be a life saving conversation to hold. To elect to have the guardasil vaccination, or not. Many parents have already made the decision, vaccinate their daughters against the human papillomavirus, to protect against cervical cancer.

Dr. Joe Matusic
Cervical Cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death world wide. We have a high rate in West Virginia we're, fourth highest in the nation because we have high STD rates. There are fewer women going to the doctor to get pap smears, access is an issue, and then it's discovered late. There are no signs of cervical cancer, until it has spread.

Guardasil doesn't come on the market without controversy. It's a sexually transmitted disease. And while no one wants to promote promescuity, Dr. Matusic says a stigma shouldn't prevent consideration of the vaccine.

Dr. Joe Matusic
You can also pick this up from toilet seats from door knobs, if you touch something that has this virus on it then touch yourself when cleaning then yes, you can pick up the virus.. you have to wash hands before- after.

The vaccine "Guardasil", protects against two strains of the virus that are known to cause the majority of cervical cancers. As well as two strains that cause genital warts. It's given in three doses over six months, and can be given as early as nine years old. It's recommended to be given to girls and women 11 to 26 years old.

Dr. Joe Matusic
By the time you're 25, 30, 40, you'll have been exposed to a number of those different viruses

Guardasil has been shown to be 100-percent effective against the HPV virus. And in a state where cervical cancer is almost two times the national average, and mortality rate is 32-percent higher than in other states. It's a medical advancement that's there for your consideration.