HPV VACCINE IGNITES DEBATE IN CALIFORNIA.Byline: KATE FOLMAR San Jose Mercury News The San Jose Mercury News is the major daily newspaper in San Jose, California and Silicon Valley. The paper is owned by MediaNews Group. Its headquarters and printing plant are located in North San Jose next to the Nimitz Freeway (Interstate 880). 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), agency of the U.S. Public Health Service since 1973, with headquarters in Atlanta; it was established in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center. recommends that parents get the vaccine -- which guards against certain strains of human papilloma virus human papilloma virus n. Abbr. HPV A DNA virus of the genus Papillomavirus, certain types of which cause cutaneous and genital warts in humans, including condyloma acuminatum. 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 HPV human papillomavirus. HPV abbr. human papilloma virus Human papilloma virus (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 spanking Pediatrics Corporal punishment, usually of children, in which the buttocks, are pummeled, swatted, or otherwise struck. See Corporal punishment Sexology Slapping, usually of the buttocks as a part of sexuoerotic activity. Cf Sadomasochism. of youngsters under 3, knows the issue is fraught for many families. But, she said, California already requires vaccinations for Hepatitis B Hepatitis B Definition Hepatitis B is a potentially serious form of liver inflammation due to infection by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It occurs in both rapidly developing (acute) and long-lasting (chronic) forms, and is one of the most common chronic , which is transmitted through sexual contact and intravenous drug use intravenous drug use Intravenous drug abuse The habitual IV injection of drugs of abuse Epidemiology In the US ± 2.5 million–population ± 235 million have used IVDs Infections Pyogenic–eg, endocarditis, pneumonia, sepsis Common agents . ``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 (916) 441-4602 HPV FACTS The human papilloma virus is the most common sexually transmitted disease sexually transmitted disease (STD) or venereal disease, term for infections acquired mainly through sexual contact. Five diseases were traditionally known as venereal diseases: gonorrhea, syphilis, and the less common granuloma inguinale, 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 CAPTION(S): box Box: HPV FACTS (see text) |
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