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NEWS |
Proposed HPV Vaccine Mandates Rile Health Experts Across the Country
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While the HPV vaccine is being touted by many as one of the greatest breakthroughs in cancer prevention, some public-health experts are concerned that the rush to mandate the vaccine could backfire.
About 20 states have proposed legislation to require adolescent girls to be vaccinated against HPV (human papillomavirus) since Merck's vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2006 to prevent cervical cancer. But many state legislators have backed down after parents, advocacy groups, and public-health officials protested the proposed mandates. Many blame Merck's lobbying efforts for the unprecedented push to vaccinate against HPV, while others point to overeager provaccine advocacy groups. Whatever the cause for this political hubbub, the debate has brought HPV vaccination into the national limelight.
The problem, some say, is that the controversy is focused on the wrong issues. "This is a marvelous vaccine. And instead of talking about that and
Misguided Mandates?
Mopping up the Mess
HPV by the Numbers