This past week I was on TODAY with a gynecologist to talk about Gardasil, the vaccine that is marketed by Merck and created to protect against several of the HPV strains that cause cancer of the cervix. HPV is short for human papilloma virus, a very contagious -- and the most common -- sexually transmitted disease.

The Gardasil vaccine has been on the market for three years and there have been over 12 million doses given. There have also been reported side effects with over 15,000 adverse events reported to the FDA. Most of the side effects are minor: fainting, nausea, and soreness and redness at the injection site. Thirty-seven deaths have also been reported and it is those deaths that have caused concern among some parents. This is where it is very important to talk plain.

None of these deaths have been linked back to the vaccine. The FDA takes these reports very seriously and the agency always looks for cause and effect, asking the question, 'Did this shot cause a death?' The answer seems to be no at this point. Look at the question in somewhat different terms. If you ate at an Italian restaurant on Tuesday and got a headache 72 hours later, are the events related? 

Having looked at the numbers carefully over the past few years I made the decision as a mom to vaccinate my two girls. I wanted them to have the antibodies to the virus on board before they became sexually active. That's why the recommendation for the Gardasil shot is for pre-teens -- to get protection before a sexual life begins.

The shot isn't perfect. It requires three inoculations, costs $360, and may not be covered by insurance. A newer and better version will come along, but today this is the best we have.

And as for concerns that this shot will promote promiscuity?  I couldn't disagree more.  I don't want my girls to have sex outside a loving relationship. I also don't want them to die for sex.