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Today, the Committee on Health voted in favor of Bill 17-30, 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 at their discretion.
“I am very pleased with today’s vote,” said Catania. “I look forward to seeing the District join a number of states and jurisdictions who are making progress on this issue.” Catania added, “It’s also important to send the message that the days of the District being the last to undertake important public health initiatives are behind us.” The legislation is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation that the vaccine be administered in 11 to 12 year olds. Each year, an estimated 6 million people in the United States contract HPV. 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. “This vaccine essentially makes cervical cancer a preventable disease,” said Catania. “As a legislature, we have a responsibility to promote its use and ensure access to it.” A public hearing on the bill was held on February 9, 2007. The bill includes language granting the Mayor the authority expand the vaccination program to males should the CDC recommend including them in the future. |
