California is considering a bill that would mandate the HPV vaccine for all students entering the 8th grade. The bill, AB 659, is sponsored by Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). California.
Assembly Bill 659 known as the Cancer Prevention Act, would require all school children to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). If enacted the law would apply to students attending public or private schools and those entering college for the first time:
The Bill would declare the public policy of the state that students who are 26 years of age or younger are expected to be fully immunized against HPV before first-time enrollment at an institution of the California State University, the University of California, or the California Community Colleges. (source)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an infection that can cause cancer. There are over 100 different types of HPV, but a few of the types are more likely to cause cancer than others.
Per the CDC In most cases (9 out of 10), HPV goes away on its own within two years without health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause other health problems.
While the vaccine is generally safe and effective, some parents have concerns about its safety and efficacy, as well as the fact that it is being mandated for all children, regardless of their individual risk factors.
Parents who have concerns about the HPV vaccine should talk to their child's doctor. The doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine with the parent and help the parent make an informed decision about whether or not to have their child vaccinated.
Some parents feel the government should not have the right to make medical decisions for their children, including the decision of whether to vaccinate them against HPV.
If AB659 passes parents would be forced to vaccinate their children for “cancer prevention” to receive public or private education and attend college in California.
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