Plans to vaccinate young girls against the sexually-transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer have been blocked in several US states by conservative groups, who say that doing so would encourage promiscuity.

However, the proponents asserted that the intention is to target human papillomavirus (HPV), which may prove as a boon in the long run.

It has been postulated that girls who received the vaccination before being exposed to HPV 16 or 18 happen to be more protected. Also, those who had already been exposed to the viruses received little benefit.

Some health officials had girded themselves for arguments from religious conservatives and others that vaccinating youngsters against the sexually transmitted virus might make them more likely to have sex.

Doses

The vaccine comes as a $360 series of three shots and in tests has been highly effective against HPV. The vaccine is formulated to address the subtypes of HPV responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancer cases and 90 percent of genital warts.

Scientists say the vaccine is most effective when given to girls before they become sexually active, and some girls become active before their teens. About 7 percent of children have had sexual intercourse before age 13, and about a quarter of boys and girls have had sex by age 15, according to government surveys.

‘Encouraging Promiscuity’ is possibly the stupidest argument they could adopt in this scenario. There is already a lot of concern over the safety of this vaccine, why don’t they understand that.

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