Looks like Merck have taken the lead over religious groups in the cervical cancer wars .
A US government advisory committee is recommending that all 11- and 12-year-old girls get a new vaccine to prevent the sexually transmitted virus that leads to most cases of cervical cancer.
Conservative groups, including the influential Family Research Council (FRC), had voiced concerns that immunising young girls against the virus that most regularly causes cervical cancer, Human Papilloma- virus, may lead to sexual promiscuity. "We would oppose any measures to legally require vaccination or to coerce parents into authorising it," wrote to the FRC in a recent letter to the US government. "Our primary concern is with the message that would be delivered to nine- to 12-year-olds with the administration of the vaccines. Care must be taken not to communicate that such an intervention makes all sex 'safe'."
Moreover, the vaccine will get federal funding under the Vaccines for Children program.
Additionally, the vaccine could be given to girls as young as 9.
More here at Forbes.
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