Got this is my box today:

Mandatory HPV vaccination for sixth grade girls



That's the good, now here's the bad news. Unfortunately, Virginia legislators have also passed a bills (HB 2035/SB 1230) to require all girls entering the sixth grade to receive a vaccine for the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer. The bill was passed in two versions. The House bill give parents the right to review information about the vaccine and file a form to exempt their daughters from requirement. The Senate version of the bill has no parental opt-out provision.



According to the Washington Post, Merck & Co., maker of the Gardasil HPV vaccine, has provided an undisclosed amount of funds for lobbying efforts in at least 18 states where lawmakers are considering whether to require the vaccine. Two sponsors of the Virginia bill received sizable campaign contributions from Merck, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, which tracks campaign finances in the state. The House bill's sponsor, Del. Phillip Hamilton, R-Newport News, chairman of the House Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee, received $10,000 from the pharmaceutical company over the last decade. The Senate sponsor, Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax County, has received $4,100 from the drug maker since 1998. Last week. The new HPV vaccine announced in June 2006 is one of several recent advances in efforts to reduce rates of cervical cancer.



The American Association for Health Freedom believes a mandatory HPV vaccination requirement for girls represents a setback for health freedom.

To contact Virginia Legislators go to http://legis.state.va.us/ and click on House of Delegates or Senate. To call the House of Delegates: (804) 698-1500 or the Virginia Senate: (804) 698-7410.

Jim Fussell

Campaign Manager

Health Freedom Foundation and American Association for Health Freedom

4620 Lee Highway, Suite 210

Arlington, VA 22207

1.800.230.2762

Fax: 703.294.6380

www.healthfreedom.net