U.S. 'Took Too Long' To Lift HPV Vaccination Requirement for Immigrants, Editorial States

November 20, 2009 — Although "it took well over a year," the "federal government has finally realized that it was out of bounds to require immigrant women" to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus, a Los Angeles Times editorial states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced the revision of 2008 guidelines that required female immigrants ages 11 through 26 seeking legal U.S. permanent residence to be vaccinated against HPV at their own expense. The new guidelines take effect Dec. 14.

The editorial notes that "the vaccine is not required for [U.S.] citizens, and the virus is not spread through casual contact." In addition, at "a cost of about $400 for a series of three inoculations, ... the requirement placed an additional burden on girls and women who sought residency in this country," the editorial says. It continues, "Worse, by requiring the vaccine for immigrants but no one else, the government sent a tone-deaf message that immigrant women were somehow 'unclean' and more likely to spread sexually transmitted diseases." The editorial argues that "authorities should recommend [the vaccine] to immigrants and explain its ability to fight a frightening disease."

The editorial concludes, "If the vaccine isn't required for citizens, then it shouldn't be required for immigrants," adding, "The federal government took too long to discover that simple logic" (Los Angeles Times, 11/19).