HPV Voluntary Vaccination
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Posted by Judy Arbique May 13, 2007 |
Despite the controversy over the Texas decision to make human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination mandatory, New Hampshire physicians have reported that they cannot keep up with the demand for free vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus, the virus responsible for most cases of genital warts and cervical cancers. Gardasil, manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Merck offers protection against the four most common strains of HPV.
New Hampshire’s approach to the prevention of HPV infections and cervical cancers differs from the approach taken by Texas, where vaccination of young girls prior to first sexual encounter was made mandatory. New Hampshire has implemented voluntary vaccination and is offering HPV vaccine free of charge to girls ages 11 to 18. Many clinics and family practice associates are reporting waiting lists of girls who want the vaccine.
A number of States are considering bills requiring mandatory vaccination; despite opposition and subsequent overturning of Texas Governor Rick Perry’s effort to make HPV vaccination mandatory. Opponents of mandatory vaccination fear that mandating HPV vaccination in young girls will encourage them to become sexually active. However, in order for the vaccine to be effective, it has to be administered before women become infected with HPV.
Virginia is the only state that currently mandates HPV vaccination for girls entering sixth grade, but allows parents to veto vaccination. Despite allowance for parental veto, Virginia has distributed more than 14,000 doses so far this year, and many physicians have waiting lists for vaccine. South Dakota and Washington are also offering HPV vaccine free vaccine for girls entering sixth grade.
Based on demand for the vaccine, it would appear that there are many more supporters of HPV vaccination than those opposing, and opposition appears to be greater in states that try to mandate rather than to initiate voluntary HPV vaccination programs.
Further Reading:
Human papillomavirus infection
Source:
Belluck, P. In New Hampshire, Soft Sell Eases Vaccine Fears.