N.H. first state to offer girls free cancer vaccine
SuzannePjam
Posts: 411
Wasn't there some sort of weird controversy over this vaccine? Something like the religious right or the Bush Administration feeling that it would make girls more sexually promiscuous?
N.H. first state to offer girls free cancer vaccine
Starting in January, program will provide girls 11 to 18 with HPV shots
Charles Rex Arbogast / AP
New Hampshire announced plans on Nov. 29 to become the first state to offer the new cervical-cancer vaccine free to all girls.
CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire announced plans Wednesday to become the first state to offer the new cervical-cancer vaccine free to all girls. Beginning in January, the vaccine against the human papilloma virus, or HPV, will be provided to girls ages 11 through 18 as part of a state program that offers various immunizations to children at no cost.
The program is paid for by the federal government and insurance companies.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine in June for girls as young as 9. It prevents infection from some strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Cervical cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer in women.
"We cannot overstate the huge breakthrough in this vaccine," New Hampshire Public Health Director Mary Ann Cooney said.
State officials hope about 17,000 girls — a quarter of those eligible — will come forward for the vaccinations next year.
Officials want to vaccinate girls before they become sexually active, because the vaccine does not protect those who have already been exposed to HPV.
"Some say giving the vaccination to 11-year-old girls is a license to promiscuity. I disagree," New Hampshire Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen said. He urged abstinence, noting that the vaccine will not protect girls from other sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, or from getting pregnant.
A total of $4.8 million has been budgeted for the vaccine next year.
N.H. first state to offer girls free cancer vaccine
Starting in January, program will provide girls 11 to 18 with HPV shots
Charles Rex Arbogast / AP
New Hampshire announced plans on Nov. 29 to become the first state to offer the new cervical-cancer vaccine free to all girls.
CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire announced plans Wednesday to become the first state to offer the new cervical-cancer vaccine free to all girls. Beginning in January, the vaccine against the human papilloma virus, or HPV, will be provided to girls ages 11 through 18 as part of a state program that offers various immunizations to children at no cost.
The program is paid for by the federal government and insurance companies.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine in June for girls as young as 9. It prevents infection from some strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Cervical cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer in women.
"We cannot overstate the huge breakthrough in this vaccine," New Hampshire Public Health Director Mary Ann Cooney said.
State officials hope about 17,000 girls — a quarter of those eligible — will come forward for the vaccinations next year.
Officials want to vaccinate girls before they become sexually active, because the vaccine does not protect those who have already been exposed to HPV.
"Some say giving the vaccination to 11-year-old girls is a license to promiscuity. I disagree," New Hampshire Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen said. He urged abstinence, noting that the vaccine will not protect girls from other sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, or from getting pregnant.
A total of $4.8 million has been budgeted for the vaccine next year.
"Where there is sacrifice there is someone collecting the sacrificial offerings."-- Ayn Rand
"Some of my friends sit around every evening and they worry about the times ahead,
But everybody else is overwhelmed by indifference and the promise of an early bed..."-- Elvis Costello
"Some of my friends sit around every evening and they worry about the times ahead,
But everybody else is overwhelmed by indifference and the promise of an early bed..."-- Elvis Costello
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The risk I took was calculated, but man, am I bad at math - The Mincing Mockingbird
But the vaccine is good for life, is it not?
The risk I took was calculated, but man, am I bad at math - The Mincing Mockingbird
Plus, i've heard that the vaccine will only work (or at least be far more effective) if administered at a young age. (something like that).
http://www.wishlistfoundation.org
Oh my, they dropped the leash.
Morgan Freeman/Clint Eastwood 08' for President!
"Make our day"
Vaccinating at a younger age increases the likelihood that the girl has not been exposed to any HPV. That's why this should be given to pre-adolescent females. However, it can still be preventive even into adulthood because it protects against several strains of HPV some of which you may haven't seen yet even if you're sexually active.