The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has sparked a controversy, with its recommendation that all boys should be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus.
For several years, the CDC has recommended the vaccine for girls, but some parents aren't convinced it's necessary for boys or completely safe.
According to the CDC, HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses. In women, it's been linked to causing cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine, called Gardasil, is most effective if given before a person's first sexual contact. The CDC recommends it for girls - and now boys - as young as 11 years old.
Myrtle Beach physician Dr. Ron Reynolds had his teenage son get the vaccination just last week.
"I think it's one of those things that you have to look at the big picture and realize that overall, this is a very good thing to be able to have this vaccine available," said Reynolds.
Reynolds said the vaccine has minimal side effects. He said it's only practical to vaccinate girls and boys to prevent HPV, and thus, cervical cancer.
"There's 20,000 new cases of that in women each year in the United States and 4,000 deaths," he said.
But Kristi Falk, who heads the Wellness Council of South Carolina, is opposed to vaccinations in general and the HPV vaccine in particular.
"Aluminum is one of the main ingredients of the Gardasil vaccine and that in itself is dangerous," said Falk.
Falk said children these days get vaccinated for so many things and parents should do plenty of research before deciding whether to have their kids get yet another shot.
"Not all vaccines are bad, but when you add vaccine on vaccine, over and over again, I think the toxicity levels in kids can be harmful," she said.
Falk said she believes the vaccinations should not be mandatory for all children. Dr. Reynolds agrees, but he says he would suggest it to any parent who asks. He is convinced the vaccine is safe. "There's a lot of thought that goes into making those (CDC) recommendations," he said.
The HPV vaccine costs more than $100 per dose and three doses are required. Some health insurance companies will cover the cost.
