 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||||
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University, HLSB Rm. 154, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, fax 402/280-1268, lohri{at}creighton.edu
Reprints: Dr. Ohri
There has been substantial media coverage of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine since the Food and Drug Administration approved Gardasil (Merck & Co., Inc.) on June 8, 2006. The most vocal complaints maintain that its use will promote promiscuity among teenagers, and condemn proposed mandated use for school entry. Some also question evidence for the vaccine's safety. There have been concerns raised by both providers and patients regarding financial barriers to access. Still others argue that additional populations could benefit who have not been included in current recommendations. Clarification of these issues is essential to advance optimal use of this important new vaccine. There is strong evidence to support HPV vaccine as an effective, safe, and efficient public health measure. School mandates are valuable tools to reduce disparities in availablilty of immunizations. The time has come to consider universal funding as a means to improve access to all recommended vaccines.
Key Words: cervical cancer, human papillomavirus, immunization
Published Online, September 11, 2007. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1K247
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
