HPV Vaccine Overturned in TX

Posted by Barbara Pytel May 11, 2007

HPV Vaccine

Just a few weeks ago I wrote an article on the controversial HPV Vaccine in Texas. Sixth grade girls were going to be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer. It didn't go over very well and the legislators blocked the mandated shots with a veto-proof vote of 135 to 2

Out Of Left Field

When the governor suggested the vaccine, it took everyone by surprise. Many thought it was crossing the line into personal family issues.

Merck Connection?

Many are suspicious that Merck, a major drug company that developed the vaccine, put political pressure on the governor for financial gain.

Lack of Communication

If the governor had talked to his colleagues, he would have known that this was an issue just too hot to handle right now. "Bill Miller, an Austin lobbyist close to the Republican leadership, said the mixture of 'under-age girls, cancer and sex' had proven too volatile." [Ralph Blumenthal, nytimes.com, April 26, 2007] Other states were considering the same. With this new action, will they continue with the vaccine?

Other health issues in school: Eating Disorders 101, Invisible Traumatic Brain Injuries, Student Substance Abuse, Suicides Are Up, The Choking Game.

Read previous articles on Educational Issues.

Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.