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HPV vaccine mandate to be implemented this fall in Washington, D.C.
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Beginning this fall, sixth grade girls in Washington D.C. will be required to show that they have at least begun the series of immunizations for the human papillomavirus vaccine, Eric Rosenthal, MD, MPH, of the Child Health Advocacy Institute, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, said at the 43rd National Immunization Conference.
Rosenthal said experts at the Children’s National Medical Center were asked by the city council in Washington about their stance on a potential vaccine mandate. As a result, members of the advocacy institute at the hospital looked at many issues surrounding this controversial subject.
The key issues that prompted the group to advocate for mandates in the city were the high cancer rate, coupled with statistics on the rates of early sexual debut in Washington, according to Rosenthal.
The cervical cancer rate in the Washington D.C. area is about 10.4. In comparison, the national rate is 8.7. Survey data have also shown that 48.1% of high school students in Washington report sexual activity.
Rosenthal said the hospital recommended that the HPV vaccine be made available, and that public information campaigns and public clinics are necessary before the mandates take effect. He said the hospital also stressed the continued need for cervical cancer screening in all girls.
Students may opt out of the mandates for any reason, which is different than other many vaccines, for which exemptions can be made for religious or philosophical reasons. He said he is unsure at this point what that may mean for vaccine uptake in the district. – by Colleen Zacharyczuk
For more information:
- Rosenthal E. #37. National Immunization Conference. March 30-April 2, 2009; Dallas.