'Rush To Force' HPV Vaccines 'Precipitous' In Light Of New Study, Editorial Says

Main Category: Cervical Cancer / HPV Vaccine
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 31 May 2007 - 18:00 PDT

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Although Merck's HPV vaccine Gardasil "makes sense as an option" for many girls and young women, the "unseemly haste to require inoculations for all young girls" seems "especially precipitous" in light of a new study questioning "how effective the vaccine ultimately will prove," a Los Angeles Times editorial says. Public health officials have not yet "grappled with complex issues" regarding Gardasil, such as its efficacy and cost. Meanwhile, "[f]lush with initial promises about the drug's potential," legislators in at least 24 states have introduced bills to require HPV vaccination for school enrollment, the Times says. The editorial concludes that although there is "reason to hope" Gardasil will significantly lower the incidence of cervical cancer, the "rush to force a new vaccine on families has served mainly as a reminder to beware of even well-intentioned lawmakers bearing drug company gifts" (Los Angeles Times, 5/29).

"Reprinted with permission from http://www.kaisernetwork.org. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork.org, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.

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