Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States affecting 20 millions of Americans at age of 16 to 24 years old. Men and women get in contact with HPV when they engage in any kind of sexual relation such as vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse because HPV spreads through skin to skin contact. The HPV infection is asymptomatic and without medical treatment may result in cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancer (Lindley et al. 18). Being the cervical cancer the most frequent cancer among women. Prevalence of HPV among females at age of 14 to 59 years old was 42.5%. Being the prevalence among 20-24 years old women equal to 53.8%. Thus, an important public health…show more content… In some states, legislators had proposed measures to increase uptake of HPV vaccine, including educational campaigns, public subsidies, and insurance requirements. The most important of these measures seems to be mandatory vaccination for girls attending school (Colgrove, Abiola, and Mello 785). Thus, with this proposal, a controversy question about compulsory vaccination of HPV began because it involves violation of parents’ autonomy about their children’ lives. Also, being HPV a sexually transmitted infection, some conservative individuals fear that the vaccination could promote promiscuity among adolescents. Despite all controversy that surround HPV vaccine, immunization of young women against HPV is a way to prevent HPV transmission and cervical cancer. However, cost of vaccination, promotion of promiscuity, and safety are some challenges that need to be…show more content… 300). The HPV vaccination is cost-effective for the government, safety, and it does not increase risky sexual behaviors or promote promiscuity. In addition, the best method for ensuring that children receive the HPV vaccine is by school mandate, which will increase the percentage receiving the vaccine and make the vaccine more accessible for those children that their do not have health insurance. In the beginning, the HPV vaccination were introduced in 24 states. Between 2006 and 2008, however, policymakers turned decisively away from the idea that the vaccine should be required for school attendance. As of February 2010, only Virginia and Washington, D.C., had enacted HPV vaccines at school for girls (Colgrove, Abiola, and Mello 785). The facts cited above and some other are responsible for this scenario. However, there are times when it is more important for public health to protect the children than honor the parent’s autonomy about sexual beliefs. Further, the vaccine should be viewed as an opportunity for parents to discuss sexual morals and safe sexual behavior with their children before any the child has made the decision to become sexually active. An individual’s decision to receive the HPV vaccine may be influenced by knowledge about the virus and the vaccine. People need to
