HPV VACCINE IGNITES DEBATE IN CALIFORNIA.

Byline: KATE FOLMAR San Jose Mercury News

SACRAMENTO -- When authorities approved a vaccine last summer that prevents most cervical cancers, experts cheered it as a breakthrough in fighting a disease that kills 3,700 U.S. women each year.

Now, California legislators are weighing whether to require all girls to be immunized before they enter sixth grade.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that parents get the vaccine -- which guards against certain strains of human papilloma virus that can cause cervical cancer -- ideally when they're 11 and 12.

But the proposal by Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, D-Mountain View, would mandate vaccination and is causing a stir because HPV is transmitted only through sexual contact.

At least 10 states from Maine to Texas are considering HPV bills.

Lieber, who already stirred debate with her recent proposal to ban the spanking of youngsters under 3, knows the issue is fraught for many families.

But, she said, California already requires vaccinations for Hepatitis B, which is transmitted through sexual contact and intravenous drug use.

``This is the first time we have a chance to prevent a virulent form of cancer,'' Lieber said. ``What we're trying to do is prevent disease, not mandate morality.''

The state allows parents to decline any vaccination for their children for medical reasons or because of personal beliefs, Lieber stressed. But some bill critics say that option is little publicized.

``This, to me, is clearly an issue between a child and a parent, especially when we know that this vaccine is for a disease that is shown to only occur through sexual activity,'' said Sen. George Runner, R-Lancaster.

``The point is that I have certain values and issues to which I deal with my daughter on. And it seems like it sends an inconsistent message about sexual activity.''

kate.folmar(at)mercurynews.com

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HPV FACTS

The human papilloma virus is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. About 20 million have the disease, with 6.2 million new cases diagnosed annually. There are usually no symptoms, but certain strains can lead to genital warts or cervical

cancer. A new vaccine, Gardasil, is effective against HPV strains causing 70 percent of cervical cancers and

90 percent of genital warts.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Mercury News research

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HPV FACTS (see text)