Tammie Dennis Says Her Grandson, 11, Got HPV Vaccine Without Parental Approval
10News.com
POSTED: 7:24 pm PDT October 18, 2011

[2-hpv-shots-may-work-as-well-as-3-chc7smu-x-front-thumb] NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — A San Diego grandmother told 10News on Tuesday that she is outraged after she says her 11-year-old grandson was given a vaccine for human papillomavirus — or HPV — without parental approval.

According to California law, children 12 and older can ask their pediatricians for the shots that prevent cancer-causing sexually transmitted diseases without getting their parents’ approval.

Tammie Dennis said she took her grandson to his pediatrician in National City to get the vaccinations he needed to begin middle school.”The exam went OK,” Dennis told 10News reporter Allison Ash. “They gave him the immunizations and when we were leaving, the nurse gave me a card for follow-up.”Dennis said that is when “the bells went off.”As Dennis began questioning the nurse, she said Dr. Sandra Perez walked up and said, “Don’t make a big deal out of it.” Dennis said Perez told her the shot is part of the normal vaccinations given to all kids.”And I asked her, ‘Do you give this to children without their parents knowing, them not getting any information about what the effects are and why they’re getting it?’” said Dennis.Dennis told 10News she understands the use of the HPV vaccination in girls but said its effects have not been studied in boys.”They’re the guinea pigs in this,” said Dennis. “The FDA is saying it’s OK, but I’m wondering who in the FDA is trying it on their own kids?