How To Tick Me Off: Texas, Perry, Gardasil

Posted on 02.03.07 in Family and there are 27 comments.

This isn’t one of those posts I had to think much about writing. This is more of a cathartic entry because I’m a bit of a mad Kat.

Why?

On Friday, Texas Governor - Rick Perry, bypassed state legistlature and issued an executive order MANDATING that a brand new vaccine, Gardasil, be given to all 6th grade girls beginning in 2008.

What is the vaccine for?

Gardasil is a vaccine that prevents strains of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), preventing a common form of cevical cancer.

There are three main reason why I’m highly miffed:

1. Bypassing state legislature on something that directly affects children is a really lousy idea. To me, that communicates one of two things about Perry. He either thinks that the parents and lawmakers of Texas aren’t capable of caring for their kids and making wise decisions. Or he is a bit too cozy with the Merck lobbyists and has a clear personal agenda on the issue.

2. Mandating that a brand new vaccine be given to children is a really lousy idea too. Unless there is an epidemic and all children are directly at risk, then I don’t want my kids to be guinea pigs.

3. Merck, the maker of Gardasil, has doubled their lobbying budget trying to have all states mandate the administration of the vaccine. Somehow I have a feeling that their motives are not altruistic.

To me, this just smells of money and greed wrapped up in the pretend concern over the health and welfare of children. I’m sure I’ll have many more thoughts on this, but I’d love to hear yours.

What would you do if your family lived in Texas and your daughter was due to get the shot next year?

Share your thoughts.

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