MN health agency recommends not requiring cervical cancer vaccine

ST. PAUL (AP) The Minnesota Department of Health has decided not to recommend requiring a cervical cancer vaccine as part of school Immunization requirements.

Instead, state health officials say the best approach to preventing cervical cancer is a combination of cancer screening and education about the vaccine.

In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration licensed a vaccine for girls and young women that targets the human papilloma virus or HPV. The virus causes cervical and vaginal cancer.

The 2007 Legislature directed the state health commissioner to report on whether the HPV vaccine should be required for school enrollment for junior-high age girls.

The department's report follows six months of review by department staff, an advisory panel and other professionals.

On the Net: Minnesota Department of Health: http://www.health.state.mn.us

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-01-08 0823CST | save this article / add to your favorites list