New Mexico is becoming the latest state to require sixth-grade girls to be vaccinated against a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer, a spokesman for the governor said.
The state House approved the bill Sunday, and Gov. Bill Richardson will sign it once he receives the legislation, spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said, “This is an important anti-cancer vaccine, and the governor believes it’s imperative for all girls to be protected against cervical cancer.
Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are a large group of related viruses, some of which play a part in the development of cervical epithelial cancers. HPV is also associated with skin cancer, cancers of the mouth, and anal cancers.
Gardasil is the world’s first vaccine against certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The vaccine, marketed by Merck & Co., is designed to prevent infection with HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11. HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of HPV-related cervical cancer cases. HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital wart cases.