HPV immunization plans viewed with skepticism
From the Associated Press
HARTFORD, Conn. --State health officials are expressing concern about proposed legislation that would require most girls in Connecticut's public schools to be vaccinated against the virus that causes cervical cancer.
At a hearing before a legislative committee on Wednesday, the head of the Department of Public Health's infectious disease division recommended that lawmakers delay requiring the vaccinations because of limited data on the vaccine.
Tango’s Take
This is a very tricky issue. On the one hand, this immunity would give women a chance to avoid cervical cancer brought on by HPV. The abstinence-only crowd does not want to, necessarily, protect against an STD.
However, there are also potential side effects of this immunization. Not only that, but some parents argue that only airborne communicable diseases should have mandatory booster shots. A recent vote in Kentucky went against the mandatory shot. This will be a hot-button item in a number of states.
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Discussion
Reading the AP article you posted on the HPV immunizations, I was confused at why you would state that there are harmful side effects of the immunization but fail to list them or follow up with facts. As a mother of two teenage daughters, I plan on getting my daughters the vaccine. I have talked with my OB-GYN, he highly recommended it. No side effects were mentioned, though I will mention the AP article to him so we can discuss it. I feel that you are doing your readers a disservice by leaving them hanging on important information such as this. You have a responsibility to your readers. Handle with care.
