I'm not a big believer in mandatory anything. I do not like the way the American government tries to legislate my right to choose what I do with my body (or the bodies of my children, if I had daughters).

That said, nearly all vaccines have side effects. Since I know the discovery of the linkage between HPV and cervical cancer are relatively recent, and thus, so is the HPV vaccine, it's long term effects and consquences cannot be predicted.

Also having said that, does anyone want to discuss the consquences of not having the vaccine? Treatment for cervical cancer is not inexpensive. In terms of costs (to you, the consumer and to your insurance provider, which is ultimately passed on to you), the vaccine is cheaper than treating the cancer. Right now, having done minimal online research into it, the side effects of the vaccine appear to be minimal. The side effects of HPV and potentially cervical cancer can be serious.

I'm taking the shot, folks. Plain and simple. True, the long term consequences are unknown. But heck, I could be hit by a bus tomorrow, too. But that is my choice. Everyone is entitled to make their own--or at least they should be.

Just my 2 cents.