HPV vaccine legislation update

A government survey conducted in 2003-2004—the first to look at HPV infections in the population at large—was published in the current issue of the American Medical Association Journal yesterday, adding fuel to the growing national debate about requiring school-age girls to be vaccinated against the sexually-transmitted virus that sometimes leads to cervical cancer. The study’s most striking finding was that women between the ages of 20-24 had the highest infection rate—44.8 percent.

33 states and the District of Columbia have had bills introduced requiring, funding, or educating the public about such a vaccine—Michigan having been the first, but Ohio, Indiana, & Kentucky all having variations thereafter. None have passed as yet, though, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. (Addition information & linked list of state legislation here )

Texas Governor Rick Perry, on Feb.2nd., created something of a national stir when he mandated the vaccination in that state by executive order. That order is now being countered with a house bill which is expected to pass as early as next month—one of seven having been in front of the Texas legislature on the issue.

While referring to the new vaccine as a “medical breakthrough,” Ohio Governor Ted Strickland told the Toledo Blade, Tuesday, that he’s not in favor of making it something mandatory. The ‘Blade’s article (here) also has some other interesting points for those interested.