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Posted by Barbara Pytel Apr 6, 2007 |
Governor Perry of Texas took the bold move to issue an executive order mandating girls be vaccinated with Gardasil, a Merck product, before they are sexually active. The problem is not that Gardasil is being offered to reduce the chances of cervical cancer. The problem is that it is being mandated. 22 more states on seriously looking at mandating Gardasil, as well. Virginia and New Mexico are two states with pending legislation.
Opposition
Rep. Phil Gingrey, a Republican from Georgia, is also an obstetrician and gynecologist. He states, "Whether or not girls get vaccinated against HPV is a decision for parents and physicians, not state governments." [Gregory Lopes, The Washington Times, March 16, 2007] Since Gardisil is known to only be effective for five years, the cost of such a program must be very carefully analyzed.
While his chances are slim, Gingrey is trying to block federal funds from paying for the vaccinations. It is expensive and the benefits seem to be short-term. He is questioning whether Medicare funds would be best spent on this issue.
Cost
Gardisil is administered three times at a cost of $400 for the series. This is quite expensive compared to other vaccines. Gingrey does not feel that the federal government should be picking up the tab for a vaccine that may be effective for only five years and then leaving the girls vulnerable--with a sense of security that they have been vaccinated. Other legislators are concerns that this may actually promote promiscuity. However, those that work with teens realize that most of them are not thinking long-term effects of their actions.
Side-Effects?
While many support this program, the chairman of the federal advisory committee that actually recommended the vaccine for girls ages 11 to 12, has concerns about mandating it. Gardasil has only been on the U.S. market for a year. What are the effects? Do states want to be held liable if it is found later that Gardisil may cause fertility problems or other issues?
There is controversy at this time whether the recent increase in autism could be caused by mandated vaccinations containing mercury. While many claim there is no link to vaccines and autism, others firmly believe there is. Denmark is also seeing a mysterious rise in autism.
Who Benefits?
If Gardasil indeed works as anticipated, every girl receiving the series of shots will reduce her cancer risk for five years. Then what? Another series? And, another? Of course, the two major producers of the vaccine, Merck and GlaxoSmithKline, will benefit every year as more girls turn 11 or 12.
More mandates: NCLB: It's all about the test,
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.