Michigan: Bill Calls for Cancer Vaccine for Sixth-Grade Girls

The sponsor of legislation that would require all Michigan girls entering sixth grade to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) has said her measure is supported by all the female members of the state Senate: six Democrats and six Republicans. The vaccine targets four HPV types responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.

"We're immunizing girls to protect them from cervical cancer," said Sen. Bev Hammerstrom (R-Temperance). She said the vaccine will not promote promiscuity, despite concerns raised by some social conservatives. "The discussion that parents have with their kids doesn't even have to go into the whole issue of how you get it. It's a drug against cancer."

Schools must recheck immunization records as students enter sixth grade, making this an ideal time to require the HPV vaccination, said Hammerstrom. "Requiring vaccines [in order] to be in school has been the most effective thing we've ever done as far as seeing that all kids are immunized," she said. State law lets parents opt their children out of required vaccinations for religious or philosophical reasons.

"I think it would be hard to argue against supporting something that would prevent cervical cancer in young women," said Dr. Thomas Petroff. The Lansing obstetrician and gynecologist serves with Hammerstrom on the Governor's Task Force on Cervical Cancer and is chief medical officer with the Flint-based McLaren Health Plan.

Petroff noted, however, that the three-injection vaccination costs $360. While a federal program pays for vaccines for the children of poor families, and wealthier families likely have insurance or the ability to pay cash, those in the middle may be in a difficult situation. Hammerstrom said the state will need to fund the vaccine through the Department of Community Health. She added that three-quarters of the population is covered by private or government insurance.

Back to other news for September 14, 2006