Profession
N.M. governor vetoes HPV mandate bill
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted May 7, 2007
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson in April vetoed a bill mandating that girls 9 to 14 years old get the human papillomavirus vaccine, reversing himself after hearing the concerns of New Mexico physician and pediatrician organizations.
The vaccine, manufactured by Merck & Co. and marketed as Gardasil, is 100% effective against the four strains of HPV associated with 70% of all cervical cancer cases. But many physician organizations have raised concerns about the vaccine's $360 cost, Merck's role in pushing for state mandates, and the quick move from the immunization's June 2006 Food and Drug Administration approval to school entry requirements.
In addition, New Mexico physicians argued that the bill scheduled to go into effect June 15 would not allow enough time for physicians and parents to become informed about the vaccine before the new school year.
"While everyone recognizes the benefits of this vaccine, there is insufficient time to educate parents, schools and health care providers," Richardson said in a statement. The governor, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, did sign a related bill that requires health insurers to cover the vaccine for girls ages 9 to 14.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/05/07/prbf0507.htm.
