NDP News Release
For Immediate Release
February 15, 2007
Don’t stall HPV vaccinations
NDP Opposition Critic calls for life-saving vaccinations.
Edmonton – Do not stall on providing HPV vaccinations to girls and young women, said Alberta NDP Opposition Health Critic Ray Martin today. In making the call for a province-wide Gardasil vaccination program Martin echoed the concerns of numerous Albertans who have contacted his office.
“Vaccinating for HPV would, in many cases, prevent cervical cancer. This would save lives,” said Martin, “but few families can afford the out-of-pocket expense.”
“We should start with all grade five girls in the province,” said Martin. “This would cost approximately $7.7 million but the long-term savings to the health system would far outstrip the short-term costs.”
Martin noted that Texas is the only jurisdiction in North America to pay for Gardasil, the trade name of the HPV vaccine. Vaccination requires three doses at $135 per dose for a total of $405, plus dispensing fees. Six months ago, Health Canada approved the vaccine after finding that it is 100% effective in preventing HPV, the virus that causes some cases of cervical cancer.
By contrast, Alberta Health has stalled on providing the vaccine by referring it to the Canadian Immunization Committee, despite the vaccinations approval by Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
“Vaccinations for other diseases, such as meningitis, are made available when the need is identified,” said Martin. “HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in Canada, so there is clearly a need.”
“While there ought to be a proper process for determining what health services ought to be covered, this one’s a slam dunk,” said Martin. “With infection rates approaching 200 per year, Alberta women should not be forced to wait.”
Contact: Tony Clark
Communications Officer
780-916-3937
Alberta’s NDP Opposition. Solutions for Today. Vision for Tomorrow.
#501 Legislature Annex, 9718-107 St, Edmonton, AB. T5K 1E4