Tell Gov. Brown to Veto AB 499 on Giving Kids 12-and-Up the HPV Shots

To the editor:

Assembly Bill 499, which allows children 12 and older to be given human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine shots without their parents’ knowledge or consent, is on Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk awaiting his signature or veto.

The measure permitting HPV inoculation without parental consent was cleverly inserted into a bill which includes less controversial measures for hepatitis vaccinations and medication to reduce the risk of HIV infection after exposure.

Catholic leader Bill May says in California Catholic Daily, “This bill is an end run by the pharmaceutical giant Merck to push their vaccine, Gardasil, on California children at taxpayer’s expense.”  The state Senate Appropriations Committee estimates costs ranging from $1.2 million to $2.5 million.

Critics worry that children will be pressured to get the HPV shots without fully understanding the reason or potential side effects. Children are easily sold on doing something the other children are doing and the teacher says is OK and will help them.

Proponents can quote scientists who say that cervical cancer is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) transmitted by sex, that 64 percent of cancers of the oral cavity, head and neck in the U.S. are caused by HPV, which is commonly spread via oral sex, and that HPV may be the second most important cause of lung cancer.

But the issue is not whether HPV transmitted by adolescent sex can cause these cancers; the issue is whether children as young as 12 years old should be given the HPV vaccine without their parents’ knowledge or permission.

You can contact Gov. Jerry Brown and ask him to veto AB 499.

Email Web Form: govnews.ca.gov/gov39mail/mail.php
Fax: (916) 558-3160
Call: (916) 445-2841. His office has added a simple voicemail button for a yes or no vote on AB 499. Be prepared to keep trying, as a busy signal is likely.

References
 sacbee.com/2011/09/24/3934321/bill-before-jerry-brown-brings.html
island-adv.com/2011/08/california's-gardasil-mandate-moves-forward/

Joan Sullivan
La Mesa