Requiring Human Papillomavirus Vaccine for Immigrant Women

    Authors

    K. J. Hachey; R. H. Allen; M. Nothnagle;L. A. Boardman

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Obstet. Gynecol.

    Keywords

    MANDATORY HPV VACCINATION; CERVICAL-CANCER; UNITED-STATES; INFECTION; RISK; COHORT; HEALTH; Obstetrics & Gynecology

    Abstract

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination of 11- to 12-year-old girls, with catch-up vaccination for girls and women aged 13 to 26 years. Although compulsory HPV vaccination is not currently mandated for any U.S. population, immigrant women aged 11-26 years are now required to receive the first injection of the vaccine (the full series consists of three doses) as a result of the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. According to this law, immigrants applying for visas to enter the United States or to adjust their immigration status must receive the inoculations that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends for U.S. residents. In the case of HPV, this law represents not only an undue burden on immigrant women, but also raises scientific and ethical questions regarding the benefit of vaccination in this population. Given these issues, immigrant women should not be required to provide documentation of HPV vaccination at the time of visa application or adjustment of immigration status. (Obstet Gynecol 2009;114:1135-9)

    Journal Title

    Obstetrics and Gynecology

    Volume

    114

    Issue/Number

    5

    Publication Date

    1-1-2009

    Document Type

    Editorial Material

    Language

    English

    First Page

    1135

    Last Page

    1139

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000271293500024

    ISSN

    0029-7844

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