Lawmakers consider mandatory vaccine to prevent sexually transmitted virus

By Globe Staff

Lawmakers will debate a proposal today that would require middle-school-aged girls be vaccinated to prevent a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer.

Several doctors are expected to testify this afternoon about the human papilloma virus vaccine before the Joint Committee on Public Health. Legislators will also discuss other components of the state’s universal immunization program, including vaccines to treat rotavirus and meningococcal infection.

In February, Governor Deval Patrick announced that he wanted to increase spending on the universal immunization program by $24.8 million, a 67 percent increase over this fiscal year. He wants the state to pay all children to receive the three vaccines, which are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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