Leave decisions about vaccines in the hands of parents

As the daughter of someone who contracted the polio virus and was subsequently left a paraplegic, I have witnessed firsthand the irreversible damage caused by communicable diseases. But the proposed legislation mandating the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls in grades seven through 12 thrusts itself into what should be the most private of decisions between families and their healthcare providers.

The strains of HPV that this vaccine protects against are solely sexually transmitted. HPV is not a public health threat as are diphtheria, pertussis and other communicable diseases transmitted through casual contact.

Not enough is known about this vaccine to make it a requirement for school admission. This drug received FDA approval after only six months of review. A very small portion of Merck's trial subjects were girls under the age of 15 and they were followed for less time than other trial subjects. There have been no long-term studies as to potential neurological, autoimmune and reproductive complications.

Yes, raise awareness about HPV among young women and their families. Educate the public so that they can make informed decisions regarding vaccination. But this decision belongs in the hands of parents. There are many things in this world that may be good ideas, but we don't mandate all of them. Educate; don't legislate.

Catherine Hellrigel

Freehold