Saturday, February 10, 2007

Controversial HPV Vaccine Made Mandetory

KENNERWYCK- A controversial vaccine for Human papillomavirus, a disease linked to cervical cancer, as well as other types of cancers, has been made mandatory by the Legislation for females between the ages of 9 and 25.

The vaccine is very controversial for two main reasons. The first is the accusation by some religious groups, as well as other pro-abstinence groups, that the vaccine encourages premarital sex. The groups claim that by giving a vaccine for a virus that is primarily sexually transmitted, a message encouraging sexual activity is also sent. Public health groups have objected to this, claiming that no such message is sent.

Second is the fact that Karenax, the only manufacturer of the vaccine in Kedalfax, acquired the formula by suspicious means. Merck & Co., the American company that originally created the vaccine, has accused Karenax of stealing the formula. Karenax officials claim that the formula was in fact acquired by legal means from GlaxoSmithKline, a British-based pharmaceutical company. GlaxoSmithKline representatives did not comment.