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HPV Vaccination Bill Passed on First Reading |
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Washington, D.C. - Today, by a vote of 7-3-1, the D.C. Council gave initial approval to Bill 17-030, the "Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Reporting Act of 2007." The Bill creates a vaccination program for females entering the 6th grade in the District of Columbia. The bill also permits parents and guardians to opt out of the vaccination program without requiring an explanation.
"I feel very positive about today's vote," said Catania. "Our actions will ultimately lead to a huge reduction in the number of our residents diagnosed with cervical cancer." Earlier in the day, Mayor Adrian Fenty sent a letter to the Council endorsing the legislation and noting the successes of the District's vaccination program. In his letter, Fenty also argued against amending the "opt out" provision. Bill 17-030 is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation that the vaccine be administered to 11 to 12 year olds. If approved, District schoolchildren who are Medicaid eligible, uninsured or underinsured would be eligible to receive the vaccine free-of-charge. Each year, an estimated 6 million people in the United States contract the Human Papillomavirus. Of these 6 million, 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 3,900 women die each year from the disease. The District of Columbia has the highest rate of cervical cancer in the United States and nearly 92 percent of invasive cervical cancer diagnoses occur among minority women. Bill 17-030 will have its final reading at the Council's next Legislative Meeting. |
