A downstate senator is proposing legislation that would require children to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to attend public school.
The billis sponsored by Sen. Brad Hoylman, a democrat from Manhattan.
Hoylman didn't return our requests for comment.
In 2019, he also sponsored legislation eliminating the religious exemption for vaccines in school children. "We’re putting science ahead of misinformation about vaccines and standing up for the rights of immunocompromised children and adults, pregnant women and infants who can’t be vaccinated through no fault of their own," Holyman said. It was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2019.
According to the bill, “Cervical cancer is the second-leading cancer among women worldwide,affecting an estimated 470,000 worldwide resulting in 233,000 deaths annually. In the United States, it is estimated that 13,240 cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year approximately 4,000 women will die from cervical cancer. In New York State, there were 865 cases of cervical cancer, and 240 related deaths in 2015.”
It goes onto say: “Prevention of cervical cancer is possible through vaccination against HPV. The CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACI) recommends routine vaccination against HPV for both girls and boys 11-12 years of age, but noted that the vaccine can be given to individuals as young as 9 and up to age 26. Vaccination should occur before first sexual intercourse.”
Some parents say the legislation is an invasion of personal choice.
"Why are they stepping into my personal life and making decisions that have nothing to do with my education?" said Jennifer Farszmil, a mother of two from Depew.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gardasil 9 is currently the only HPV vaccine available in the United States. From its licensure in December 2014 through December 2017, about 29 million doses of Gardasil 9 have been distributed in the U.S. During the same period, VAERS received 7,244 U.S. reports of adverse events following Gardasil 9 vaccination. Overall, 97% were non-serious reports; 3% of reports have been classified as serious.
Even though the bill is being reintroduced this legislative cycle, it has been around since 2014, and never made it out of the Senate Health Committee for a vote.
It's unclear whether Governor Cuomo would support the measure. In an email, a spokesman for the governor said " We will review any bill passed by the legislature."
