States Rethinking Requirements for HPV Vaccine

February 22, 2007 (WPVI) -- Earlier this week, Merck, the maker of the vaccine that prevents HPV infections, decided to suspend its lobbying campaign to encourage state to require the vaccine.

And a few weeks ago, nearly 20 states were ready to require that young girls get it.

H-P-V causes most cases of cervical cancer.

Now, several states are backing out of plans to require the shots.

Connecticut health officials are concerned that Gardasil, which was approved last June, may have side effects that didn't show up during testing.

At a hearing before a legislative committee on Wednesday, the head of the Infectious Disease division of the Connecticut Department of Public Health said there's not enough data in yet on the vaccine.

A proposed law to vaccinate all preteen girls in Minnesota has also encountered trouble.

The Minnesota Family Council says a state vaccine requirement "undermines abstinence and excuses pre-marital sex," and takes the decision on the vaccine away from parents.

In Texas - the first state to mandate the vaccine - a legislative committee voted to override Governor Rick Perry's order requiring the vaccine.

There is also a potential political scandal brewing.

Governor Perry's chief of staff held a meeting about the vaccine the same day that its maker, Merck, donated five-thousand dollars to his re-election campaign.

Merck stands to make billions of dollars if states require girls to get the vaccine.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•