HCS HB 802 -- HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS IMMUNIZATIONS

SPONSOR:  Wilson, 130 (Page)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Health Insurance by a vote of 10 to 0.

This substitute allows the Department of Health and Senior
Services to add an inoculation for the human papilloma virus
(HPV) to the list of required immunizations for a female sixth
grader to attend school; however, before the immunization can be
provided, a parent must provide written consent to allow his or
her child to be inoculated.  The department must establish the
procedures for school districts to provide parents of sixth grade
girls with information about how HPV can cause cervical cancer
and how an immunization can prevent the virus.  The information
must include the risks, symptoms, and prevention of HPV; facts
about the immunization; and where additional information can be
obtained.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of $8,333 to
$180,000 in FY 2008, $10,000 to $180,000 in FY 2009, and $10,000
to $180,000 in FY 2010.  No impact on Other State Funds in FY
2008, FY 2009, and FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the goal of the bill is to
protect women from a preventable cancer and to increase awareness
of the HPV vaccine.  It is a comprehensive approach to
confronting the virus and cervical cancer.  Many women are
affected by HPV, and it is exciting that women now have this
option to help protect themselves.  Requiring health insurance to
cover the immunization and the affordability of the vaccine
should also be considered.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Page; Dr. Nina
Kiekhaefer, Missouri Academy of Family Physicians; Kristin
Metcalf-Wilson; and Alliance for the Status of Missouri Women.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the vaccine
program needs to be an opt-in program because of social
sensitivity issues, and materials about HPV need to be given
directly to the parent and not to the child.

Testifying against the bill was Missouri Family Network.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say consumers must be
aware that pharmacies make a profit on the sale of vaccines, but
vaccines are cheaper than cancer treatments.  Abstinence is a
free solution.

Testifying on the bill were Concerned Women for America of
Missouri; and Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and
Surgeons.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am