(February 2, 2007)—In a move that may stir some controversy, Gov. Rick Perry Friday directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to adopt rules requiring all girls ages 11 and 12 to receive the Human Papillomavirus or HPV vaccine before entering sixth grade, making Texas the first state to require the vaccination.

The requirement goes into effect in September 2008.

“The HPV vaccine provides us with an incredible opportunity to effectively target and prevent cervical cancer,” Perry said.

“Requiring young girls to get vaccinated before they come into contact with HPV is responsible health and fiscal policy that has the potential to significantly reduce cases of cervical cancer and mitigate future medical costs.”

Perry’s order allows parents to opt out of mandatory vaccinations “for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs.”

The order directs the commission to provide exemption request forms online.

Some conservatives and parents-rights groups say such a requirement would encourage premarital sex and interfere with the way they raise their children, but a federal government advisory panel has recommended that all girls get the shots at 11 and 12 before they're likely to be sexually active.

On Wednesday, a proposal to require sixth-grade girls in Maryland to be vaccinated was dropped because of concerns there already are too many vaccine requirements for Maryland schoolchildren.

Click Here For Texas Governor’s Web Site

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