HPV Vaccination
by Ryan McCann

In its original language, Indiana Senate bill 327 mandated that girls entering the 6th grade must receive a vaccination from the sexually transmitted disease HPV (particular strains of which may lead to certain types of cancer - for more detailed information on HPV please read IFI's policy brief).  The original language was confusing because it sent conflicting messages.  On the one hand it mandated vaccination, but on the other it stated that girls could not be prevented from attending school if they did not receive the vaccination.  In other words, the legislation had no mechanism for enforcement. 

Before it passed out of the Indiana Senate by a 44-5 vote, the bill was amended.  The new language does not mandate that girls entering the 6th grade must receive the vaccination.  Instead it requires parents to fill out a form stating whether their daughter has or has not received it.  The totals in both categories would then be reported to the State Department of Health.

The intent of the bill seems to be spreading awareness about a new cancer preventing vaccine.  Preventing cancer is something all sides of this debate can support.  However, there have been some problems with this bill, even as amended. 

Pharmaceutical company Merck (the company responsible for the HPV vaccine) has only recently haulted its controversial lobbying campaign across the country in support of bills like Indiana's SB 327.  That raises questions of the proper use and/or necessity of government to successfully promote a drug company's product.  Some have suggested that the company has conducted a masterful public relations campaign, spurring the controversy and accomplishing their goals for increased awareness. Additionally, they are successfully promoting the HPV vaccine through TV adds and other media outlets nationwide.  So why does Merck need Indiana government to spend a significant amount of time and money promoting its drug?

Another question some have raised is why schools must require parents to report on whether or not their 6th grade daughters have received an STD vaccination?  Is that really information that government needs to have access to?

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