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March 2007 A mandate from Gov. Rick Perry makes Texas the first state to require girls entering the sixth grade to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus. Beginning in September 2008, 11- and 12-year-old girls will need to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine, Gardasil (Merck) before beginning 6th grade. The FDA approved the vaccine in June 2006 for girls aged 9 to 26 and an advisory panel recommended that all girls receive the shots at ages 11 and 12, before they become sexually active. “Requiring young girls to get vaccinated before they come into contact with HPV is responsible health and fiscal policy that has the potential to significantly reduce cases of cervical cancer and mitigate future medical costs,” Perry said in a press release. The vaccine is administered in three shots over an eight-month period and is effective for five years. The cost is $360 for the series. Girls aged 9 to 21 will be eligible for public assistance to be vaccinated. As directed by Perry, state health authorities will make the vaccine available for free to girls 9 to 18 who are not insured or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine. Parents can opt to not have their daughters vaccinated for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. |
