Despite Benefits, Few U.S. States Mandate Cervical Cancer Vaccine
Immunization protects against sexually transmitted disease, certain cancers, health experts say
According to Fred Wyand, communications director for the American Sexual Health Association, mandates are "obviously" an effective way to boost vaccination rates.
But even without laws, Wyand said, HPV vaccination needs to be seen as "normal and routine," and doctors should promote it that way. Some parents, he noted, mistakenly believe their children are unlikely to need protection against HPV.
"The majority of sexually active individuals will have one or more HPV infections in their lifetime," Wyand said, "and HPV cuts across all demographics."
Despite Benefits, Few States Mandate HPV Vaccine
Immunization protects against sexually transmitted disease, certain cancers, health experts say
According to Fred Wyand, communications director for the American Sexual Health Association, mandates are "obviously" an effective way to boost vaccination rates.
But even without laws, Wyand said, HPV vaccination needs to be seen as "normal and routine," and doctors should promote it that way. Some parents, he noted, mistakenly believe their children are unlikely to need protection against HPV.
"The majority of sexually active individuals will have one or more HPV infections in their lifetime," Wyand said, "and HPV cuts across all demographics."
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