Texas: Vaccine Proposal Likely to Stir Debate

Bills filed in both houses of the Legislature seek to make Texas the first state to mandate vaccination against human papillomavirus, an STD that causes most cases of cervical cancer. Lawmakers who support the bills, however, anticipate heated opposition to making the vaccine, Gardasil, a requirement for girls entering the sixth grade.

Rep. Jessica Farrar (D-Houston), who sponsored the bill in the House, said she is hopeful it will pass but is not exactly optimistic, noting "ideology has prevailed over science lately." "Don't we put seat belts on our kids, helmets on bike riders?" asked Sen. Leticia Van De Putte (D-San Antonio), sponsor of the Senate bill. "This is one more thing we can do to protect our daughters."

Critics contend the proposed legislation would take away parents' rights, encourage promiscuity among impressionable young girls and be cost-prohibitive for many parents.

Gardasil was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June and soon after CDC's advisory committee on vaccines recommended it for females ages 11-26. Merck & Co., the vaccine's maker, lists the price for each of the three required doses at $120 but a survey of Houston providers found it typically costs around $150-$200 a shot.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, many private insurers are not covering the vaccination. In addition, an estimated one-fourth of citizens in the state do not have health insurance. Advocates of mandatory vaccination say passing the legislation will help expedite health insurers' coverage of Gardasil. The federal vaccine program for low-income families will likely offer the vaccine for free or at a reduced rate, they note.

Back to other news for January 12, 2007