Health official says doctors ‘shouldn’t make distinction’ between mandatory and optional shots
By Samuel Speciale, Charleston Daily Mail, W.Va. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
If their doctor follows the suggested language of a call-to-action issued last month by 13 local and state health organizations, they could be left with the impression that certain vaccinations, like the one for the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), are now mandatory for school attendance.
In the call-to-action, doctors are urged to recommend the controversial HPV vaccination to parents and their preteen children by removing the distinction between the optional shot and those required to attend school.
When asked if doctors are being asked to follow a script that equates mandatory and optional vaccinations, Jeff Necuzzi, director of immunization services for the
"We're just trying to reinforce that providers need to strengthen their message when discussing vaccinations," he said. "They (doctors) shouldn't make a distinction that some are mandatory and one isn't."
But there is a clear distinction between mandatory and optional vaccinations, and it all has to do with the communicability of the disease they inoculate against.
All students entering seventh grade, the recommended age for starting the HPV vaccine series, are required to get a dose of the meningococcal vaccine and a booster for diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. Each are highly contagious and can be spread by casual contact or by air.
"The reason for requiring one vaccination isn't based on its importance or effectiveness," Necuzzi said, later adding that the HPV vaccine isn't required simply because it's not as easily transmitted.
Still, certain strains of HPV are often linked to deadly cancers, and because most of the adult population is already infected or will eventually contract the virus, health officials are prompted to find ways to improve low vaccination rates. About 45 percent of girls in
This has led officials to target the way doctors communicate with their patients.
Studies have shown that parents are four to five times more likely to consent to their children getting a vaccination when it is strongly recommended by their doctor.
"They think it's not necessary because their children aren't sexually active," she said. "But, we have to educate parents on the importance of getting it."
Because HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, the vaccination is often opposed because some believe it will encourage teens to start having sex. Necuzzi said anyone who thinks that way should be ashamed.
"We are frustrated that anyone is suggesting there is a correlation," Necuzzi said. "It has nothing to do with it. It prevents cancer."
While the vaccine is well-supported by the
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The company has since abandoned that tactic, but still retains three lobbyists in
HPV vaccines cost
When asked if she thought equating the costly HPV vaccines with those that are mandatory is at all misleading or could cause the public to further distrust vaccinations, Nunley said she didn't think that was the case.
While anti-vaccination groups are on the rise, Necuzzi said he is only concerned with maintaining public confidence in vaccines and the HPV program in general.
"We have high hopes the approach we are taking will help us reach our goals."
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