Merck pharmaceuticals, the maker of the controversial HPV / Gardasil vaccine which targets teens, remains embroiled in a comment bloodbath on their Youtube page where they posted their parent shaming commercial 9 months ago. The commercial essentially blames and shames parents regarding the issue of giving their teenage children the vaccination.
For many parents, the commercial was offensive, for others, they considered it laughable. Some people in the comments even went so far as to say they contracted HPV even after taking the vaccine. In what is either bravery on the part of Merck, or a general lack of Internet awareness, the comments remain turned on which has led to Internet savages taking it to them as recent as this month.
For many, the ad is an oversimplification of an issue they consider to be much broader in scope. The HPV vaccine has been scrutinized for alleged side-effects in teens. Merck has, in essence, ignored all accusations with this advertisement which portrays parents as being perpetrators of cervical cancer. The comments show that parents are revolting in a public setting, which isn’t always the normal when it comes to vaccine controversies.
I also find this ad offensive. I prefer to tell my child to be responsible about having sex, when its appropriate, and not giving a vaccine that says have at it.
These commercials are repugnant. Children need their parents for emotional support in times of crisis. You are reeking havoc on already fragile situations just to pad your pockets. Surely you bright people could make an informative commercial that helps all. Such a disgrace you should br ashamed. Perhaps one of your children should point the blame at you.
The climate in this country is divisive enough without turning children against parents! Who should think that their parents are out to get them?? I do not have HPV, nor does my child. I find the timber of this ad offensive nonetheless. Can we have a positive ad please? One that invites the child to TALK with the parent(s)?
Please send a letter to Merck saying EXACTLY what you said here. Totally agree. Thank you.
For me, this ad is stupid, but it was made to encourage parents to get their children vaccinated, which is ridiculous!