August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and news of a recently-developed vaccine has hit the headlines. Gardasil is the commercial name for a vaccine for young girls designed to protect against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by the highly communicable STD Human Papillomavirus (HPV). There are many different strains of HPV, and the CDC estimates that 80% of women at age 50 will have had an HPV infection at some point in their life. Fortunately, infection with HPV is most often asymptomatic, and clears itself up in a few weeks. However, a few strains of HPV are responsible for diseases and conditions like cervical cancer and genital warts.

Controversy has surrounded Gardasil for many reasons, including high costs ($120 for each dose), and the fact that it is recommended for girls aged 11 to 12 who are not sexually active.

In Texas, Governor Rick Perry was the first state governor to recommend that the vaccine be mandatory for all school children by 2008. His recommendation was not confirmed by the Texas legislature. Other states have legislation in committee stating that it will be required for schoolchildren in the near future, though it will be an “opt out” type of vaccine, as are all the other required school vaccines (MMR, DPT, hepatitis).

Whether or not the vaccine passes through legislation, safe sex practices and early detection through annual Pap smear tests should continue to be encouraged.

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