Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Proposal Blocks Federal Funding for HPV Vaccine

A Georgia Congressman introduced legislation to block federal funding for the HPV vaccine.

Several states are considering making the HPV mandatory for girls. Texas governor Rick Perry bipassed legislative approval and issued an executive order mandating the vaccine for 12-year-old girls.

"Mandating the HPV vaccination is both unprecedented and unacceptable," said Rep. Phil Gingrey, a Republican, who is an obstetrician and gynecologist. "Whether or not girls get vaccinated against HPV is a decision for parents and physicians, not state governments."

Because HPV is unlike communicable diseases such as measles and mumps, which children are routinely vaccinated against, Mr. Gingrey said HPV vaccines should be taken voluntarily. He is chairman of the Republican Healthcare Public Affairs Team and chairman of the Healthcare Reform subcommittee of the Republican Policy Committee.

Barring federal funding for the vaccines will put a bit of a crimp into Governor Goodhair's plans. I can't wait to see him explain the costs to the taxpayers.