
As thousands of students across the region head back to school, some sixth grade girls are facing a new mandate. Schools in Virginia and D.C. are requiring that they get vaccinated against the sexually transmitted Human Papilloma Virus.
Federal health officials recommended three years ago that the vaccine be given to all 11 and 12 year old girls. About two dozen states considered requiring the vaccine but they balked because of concerns about funding, and because some parents believed it would promote promiscuity. The District of Columbia and Virginia allow parents to opt out of the requirement for any reason. Both jurisdictions passed laws in 2007, but pushed back the start dates to this year.
Bill Redlin reports...

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